Child rapist jailed for 16 years

A PENSIONER from Powick who raped and carried out a series of sexual assaults on children has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Denis Portman, 77, of Old Malvern Road, was jailed at Worcester Crown Court today (Wednesday) after previously being found guilty of eight counts of rape, seven of sexual assault and one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Portman will have to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and if released will be subject to a Sexual Offence Prevention Order, restricting his future contact with children.

He abused a girl on numerous occasions between February 2007 and October 2010 and two 15-year-old foreign exchange students were sexually assaulted by Portman while they were staying with him at his home in June 2009.

Detective Constable Mike Denman, from the Public Protection Unit at Worcester CID said: "This has been a lengthy and complex investigation, and it was a difficult and harrowing case for all involved.

"It is impossible to fully quantify the damage Portman has caused to his victims and those around him. The victims were extremely brave in coming forward and seeing the prosecution through to its conclusion.

"This sentencing is an excellent result and I hope it goes some way to helping Portman's victims come to terms with what they have been through.

"I would like to thank them, their families and all those who supported the investigation. I would also like to take the opportunity to encourage all victims of child sexual abuse to come forward - they will be taken seriously by the police and given all the support we can."

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