Delena Wells

Delena Wells, a 72-year-old woman from Carterton, Oxfordshire, has been sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for her predatory sexual abuse of young boys committed over 30 years ago. The case, heard at Bristol Crown Court, involved Wells being convicted of one count of indecent assault on one boy and six counts on another, both victims under the age of 16 at the time of the offences.

The prosecution described Wells, born in 1947, as a 'sexual predator' during her younger days when she was in her 40s and living in a cottage in Clevedon, North Somerset. According to court proceedings reported by BristolLive and covered in the Oxford Mail, Wells would lure the boys to her home by offering them cigarettes and alcohol, such as cider and Special Brew, before subjecting them to repeated sexual abuse. One victim recounted how Wells bestowed attention on him, leading to sexual activity that occurred on perhaps hundreds of occasions until around his 15th birthday. He was warned by Wells not to tell anyone, under threat of imprisonment, which he believed as a young boy.

After ceasing contact with Wells, the first victim confided in others and eventually reported the abuse to the police. Wells denied any intimacy, labelling the complainant as 'delusionary and a fantasist'. However, police investigations uncovered a second independent complainant who described a similar pattern of manipulation. He recalled being at Wells' home where she made inappropriate comments about 'girls being frigid but women not being frigid', before plying him with drink and molesting him on the sofa, including performing a sex act on him. The victim felt embarrassed and unwell afterwards, vomiting in the toilet, and remembered Wells simulating oral sex with a horse's lead in his presence. He denied fabricating the allegation to support the other complainant, and his wife vouched for his honesty and reliability.

Donald Tait, prosecuting, highlighted Wells' manipulative behaviour in court, stating: 'The crown suggests that this lady, born in 1947, in her younger days was a sexual predator.' The NSPCC, in a statement, condemned Wells' actions, noting: 'Wells’ predatory and manipulative behaviour had a devastating impact on her victims, who would have been haunted by their experiences well into their adult lives. Although over 30 years have passed since the crimes were committed, this case is a reminder that no matter how long ago the abuse took place, perpetrators can be brought to justice.' The organisation further shamed Wells for her 'clear' and damaging sexual interest in children. Wells entered a not guilty plea but was found guilty following the trial.