Predatory Lincoln paedophile jailed for life

A predatory paedophile who carried out sex attacks against young boys spread over 25 years was this afternoon (Thurs) jailed for life at Lincoln Crown Court.

Trevor Elley, described as having sexually abused young boys for virtually his entire adult life, was ordered to serve a minimum of 12 and a half years before he can be considered for parole.

The court heard he had a number of past convictions for offences against young boys and has previously served jail sentences.

Judge Andrew Easteal, passing sentence, told him: “Once again you have been convicted of sexually abusing children. You have been engaging in that sort of behaviour virtually all of your entire adult life.

“You feel no sense of shame or regret for the immense suffering and harm you caused these boys who are now grown men.

“You were and are perfectly capable of understanding the seriousness and awfulness of what you were doing. You had both the cunning and confidence to groom these boys, to manipulate and bully each one of them to fulfill your perverted sexual appetite.

“You showed them no mercy and you will receive none, only, in my judgement, a sentence that your sordid, despicable behaviour deserves.

“I regard you as a dangerous and predatory paedophile who poses a significant risk of committing further offences against children.”

Elley had denied offences against three boys but was found guilty by a jury following a trial in September of this year.

Laura Pittman, prosecuting, said that one of the boys was aged just seven years old when Elley began abusing him. The boy, who was very vulnerable, was then repeatedly sexually assaulted before being raped.

Two other boys were subjected to a series of sexual assaults starting when they were both 12.

The court was told that all three victims had been badly affected by the abuse inflicted on them by Elley.

Elley, 65, of Queen Street, Lincoln, was found guilty of two offences of rape of a child under the age of 13, two offences of sexually assaulting a child under 13, seven offences of indecent assault on a male and a further charge of attempted buggery.

He had denied all 12 charges. The offences, involving three different boys, took place between 1983 and 2008.

Detective Inspector David McKean of Lincolnshire Police said: “I can only admire the bravery of the victims in coming forward. By being able to tell somebody else what they went through, they have allowed us to work for them to get justice and I can only hope they feel that at least some justice has been served.

“This case went through a trial, which meant that the victims had to speak in court about what they went through, and give evidence. By showing bravery that cannot really be described, it has allowed for a successful prosecution and a life sentence.

“Rest assured, even if crimes were committed years ago, Lincolnshire Police will investigate all offences committed against vulnerable people, and work to get a prosecution for them.”