Following an investigation by the Thames Valley Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit, a man has been sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment after he was convicted of a string of non-recent sex offences against children.

Gerald Raffell, aged 74, of West View Road in Hartlepool, County Durham, was found guilty by majority verdict of multiple counts of indecent assault on boys in a trial lasting ten days at Oxford Crown Court, which concluded on 2 December.

He subsequently pleaded guilty to two further offences in a separate hearing at the same court on 23 January, a total of six separate offences.

He was acquitted of three other counts of indecent assault of a boy.

Returning to the same court for sentencing on Friday (17/2), Raffell was sentenced to a total of 11 years in prison.

Between 1982 and 1986, Raffell worked at children’s homes in Oxfordshire.

The three victims were all subjected to a string of indecent sexual assaults, which were reported to the police in 2020 and an investigation commenced.

The victims were all aged under 16 at the time of the offences.

Raffell was arrested by Cleveland Police on 20 August 2020 and was charged with the offences on 12 October 2021.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Martin Turner, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, based at Cowley police station, said: “The victims of these abhorrent offences were vulnerable children, who should have had every right to feel safe.

“Raffell abused his position of trust to commit these offences.

“Even though a significant amount of time has passed since the offences, when they came to light, we commenced an investigation.

“Thames Valley Police is absolutely committed to investigating offences such as these, no matter what the passage of time.

“The bravery of all of the victims meant that a serious sex offender has finally been brought to justice.

“Raffell was responsible for assisting vulnerable children in their time of greatest need, and he callously used their vulnerabilities to his advantage in a grotesque breach of trust.

“He has now been given a lengthy prison sentence, and I hope that this will serve as solace to the victims that justice has been served.

“No matter how long has elapsed, we commit to investigating non-recent offences, and we will always seek to bring offenders before the courts to face up to their offending and face justice.”

If you would like to discuss your experiences further – please contact Charles Derham on 02393552153 or by email on charles@remedylaw.co.uk to discuss the viability of a civil claim for compensation