Paedophile Anthony Spelman Jailed for 23 Years Over Horror Abuse of Teenage Boys
Anthony Spelman, 57, was slammed with a hefty 23-year prison sentence at Chester Crown Court on Friday, November 10, after being found guilty of a shocking 24 sexual abuse offences against five teenage boys. The vile convictions include three counts of rape, two of indecency with a child, and 19 counts of indecent assault.
Horrific Crimes Spanned Nearly a Decade
The twisted abuse took place between October 1993 and 2002, with Spelman preying on vulnerable lads in Crewe. Victims revealed how Spelman plied them with alcohol, took them out in his car, and even let some drive. The nightmare began unraveling in 2017 when several men courageously came forward after spotting reports about Spelman in Irish news outlets.
From Ireland Prison to UK Courtroom
Spelman was previously jailed at Arbour Hill Prison in Ireland. During a 12-day trial ending in September, Chester Crown Court heard damning testimony linking him to a string of abuse. The probe, launched by Cheshire Police in 2018, began after Spelman was arrested for offences in Crewe while serving a suspended sentence in Ireland.
While behind bars in Ireland, further offences emerged, extending his sentence. After completing his term, Spelman was extradited back to the UK in March 2023 to face justice for historical crimes in Crewe.
Tough Measures and Support for Victims
Alongside his 23-year jail term, Spelman faces an extra year on licence, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and lifetime registration on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
“I want to thank the victims for their incredible bravery,” said Detective Sergeant Lindsay Wooffitt. “These men carried the weight of this horrific abuse for decades. We hope this sentence offers them some closure. Spelman committed despicable crimes against boys who deserved to feel safe in their own community. Anyone suffering similar abuse must come forward. We will treat all reports with respect and investigate fully.”
How to Report Sexual Abuse
If you have been affected by sexual abuse or want to report a crime, contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101. You can also report online at cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
