Child rapist who showed ‘no remorse’ jailed for 22 years

An 81-year-old man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping a child decades ago in Cornwall, with a judge stating he is likely to die behind bars. Francis Wells was found guilty of multiple offenses at Truro Crown Court on Tuesday.

Child Rapist Jailed for 22 Years

Wells, of Back Commercial Street, Barnoldswick in Lancashire, was convicted of two counts of rape of a child, two indecent assaults, and two counts of indecency with a child.

During the sentencing, the court heard harrowing impact statements from Wells’ victims, who detailed the trauma he inflicted upon them. One victim stated, “I hope it is recognised the life long and far reaching harm his choices have caused and I hope he can never inflict that pain again.”

Defense counsel, Mr. Robert Smith, noted Wells would turn 82 this month and suggested a shorter sentence due to his age, arguing he may never leave prison.

His Honour Judge Simon Carr described Wells’ crimes as “brutal” and emphasized the “devastating” effect on his victims. He acknowledged the courage it took for the victims to come forward.

Judge Carr also stated that Wells had “shown no remorse” and lacked insight into the harm he caused, having pleaded not guilty to the charges. “You have no insight into the harm you’ve caused and no care for anyone but yourself,” the judge said.

Wells will also remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Police Staff Investigator Jo Wilson commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation. “Due to their courage in giving evidence, justice has truly been served culminating in the Judge passing a sentence that will, in all likelihood, mean the offender will never leave prison again,” she said.

Wilson reassured victims of historic abuse that they will be listened to and supported.

Support is available at victimcare-dc.org. Victim Support can be reached at 0808 1689 111, and Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit at 01392 475900.

Additional resources include the National Rape Crisis Helpline at 0808 802 9999, Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) at 0300 3034626, and www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault. To report child sexual abuse anonymously, call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.