Dale Fellows

Dale Fellows, aged 34, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a series of depraved sexual offences against two young schoolgirls. The crimes, which included rape, sexual assaults, and attempted rape, spanned a decade and came to light after the brave victims reported their experiences to West Midlands Police.

The offences against the first victim occurred between 2016 and 2017, involving 12 counts that encompassed rape, sexual assaults, and attempted rape. Against the second victim, Fellows was convicted of three charges committed between 2008 and 2015. Both girls were just 13 years old at the time of the abuse, highlighting the predatory nature of the attacks.

Fellows, whose court address was listed as Rosehill Gardens, Willenhall, Walsall, had resided and worked in the Somerset seaside town of Burnham-on-Sea during part of the period when some offences were committed, between 2008 and 2017. A source confirmed to Somerset Live that he was present in the area during this timeframe, though the exact reasons for his departure remain unclear.

The case was built following the courageous testimonies of the victims, who came forward to detail their ordeals. This enabled West Midlands Police to conduct a thorough investigation, leading to Fellows' arrest and subsequent trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

• 12 offences against first victim (2016-2017): rape, sexual assaults, attempted rape
• 3 offences against second victim (2008-2015): sexual assaults
• Sentenced on June 3, 2019
• Placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life

Sergeant Vicky Kelleher of West Midlands Police commended the victims' bravery, stating: "Without the courage of the victims in coming forward we would not have been able to bring Fellows to justice. Their bravery enabled us to fully investigate and ensure no-one else will have to suffer sexual abuse at his hands in future." The sentencing ensures that Fellows will be unable to harm others, providing some measure of closure for the survivors.