James Fletcher, a 77-year-old man from Rowley Regis, has been sentenced to five years in prison, plus an additional three years on licence, for a series of heinous sexual offenses spanning several years. Fletcher admitted to rape, attempted rape, and two sexual assaults, including one involving a child under the age of 13.
The allegations first surfaced in June 2021, prompting an investigation by West Midlands Police. Detectives uncovered a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse perpetrated by Fletcher against a woman and a young girl. Fletcher was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, and the case proceeded to trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Midway through the trial, Fletcher changed his plea to guilty. The court heard powerful victim impact statements from both survivors. The young girl, who was abused from the age of 12, described the lasting effects of the abuse on her mental health and daily life. She said, “Abuse from you has left lasting effects on my life and mental health, and I continue to struggle with the consequences of what happened to me. I felt scared and manipulated into silence, and the trauma still affects me every day.”
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The adult victim spoke about the support she received from her family and expressed relief that justice had been served. “My family have been so supportive throughout everything. I know we can all sleep safe knowing this person has been brought to justice and not able to cause pain or misery again.”
Detective Constable Adrian Jackson of the West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit commended the bravery of the victims. “This investigation and subsequent legal proceedings were lengthy, and I commend those who spoke out about Fletcher—for doing so in the first place, and then for having the patience and bravery to deal with the process that followed. They have shown incredible courage, and by speaking out, a sexual predator is now rightly behind bars.”
DC Jackson also urged other survivors of abuse to seek help and reassurance, emphasizing that support is available in many forms.