A child rapist has been sentenced to 21 and a half years at Worcester Crown Court today (Thursday 21 November).

Royston Gill, 58, of Rose Avenue, Worcester was found guilty by jury in July of multiple non-recent sexual offences committed against children in Worcester. 

Gill, who was also made subject to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for an indefinite period by Her Honour Judge Gilmore, abused his victims between September 1996 and February 2002. 

Gill denied the offences during police interviews and pleaded not guilty at court. 

However, the case was exceptionally well prosecuted by Rebbeca Wade KC at Worcester Crown Court and on Wednesday 3 July 2024, Gill was found guilty on 10 counts and remanded straight into custody ahead of his sentencing hearing today. 

The sentencing follows the earlier trial where he was found guilty of the following offences: -

Detective Constable Gemma Leighton, from South Worcestershire Protecting Vulnerable People team, led the investigation throughout.

DC Leighton said: “Gill subjected his young victims to a sustained campaign of abuse, leaving long lasting trauma and distress to them.

“I would like to commend the victims, they have shown such courage, strength and bravery by coming forward to the police and giving their evidence to the court and for this they should all be so very proud of themselves. 

“I’m pleased with the lengthy sentence handed out and sincerely hope that this brings some comfort to the victims for what they have suffered.

“I hope this case demonstrates to the community of Worcestershire that West Mercia Police take reports of sexual abuse including historical sexual abuse very seriously and that we won’t hesitate to investigate thoroughly and robustly to bring offenders to justice.”