A 65-year-old man from Tipton, West Midlands, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the rape of a teenage girl. Carl Houldey, residing on Shakespeare Road, was arrested after the victim reported the attack to West Midlands Police, supported by her family. The incident, which involved multiple sexual assaults, prompted a thorough investigation by specialist officers.
The police conducted extensive enquiries, including a sensitive video-recorded interview with the girl, interviews with Houldey, forensic analysis of clothing, and examination of his phone. These efforts led to Houldey being charged with four counts of rape and several other sexual offences. The case proceeded to trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty on all counts.
Sentencing occurred on 3 July 2024, with Houldey receiving a 24-year custodial sentence, of which he must serve a minimum of 16 years before being eligible for parole. In addition to the prison term, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life, issued with a sexual harm prevention order, and subjected to a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim. The court heard a powerful victim personal statement from the teenage girl, who described the profound impact of the attack on her life.
In her statement, the victim said: “Before this happened, I used to feel happy and safe. I liked going to school, playing with my friends, and spending time with my family. But after what he did, everything changed. At the beginning, I felt upset and worried about what was going to happen next. I keep wondering if it was my fault, even though people tell me it wasn’t. I wish this had never happened to me. I just want to feel normal again. I am proud of myself that I told someone about it. I’m trying to be strong, even though I don’t feel strong. I have some good friends, and I am going to try and enjoy my life that is now different because of what you did to me.”
Detective Constable Adrian Jackson, from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit, who led the investigation, commended the victim’s bravery. He stated: “Hearing that statement was incredibly powerful. By bravely speaking out and explaining what happened to her, a dangerous rapist has been put behind bars. She talks of moving forward with her life and that is something we all hope for, as well as knowing that by speaking out, she has potentially protected others.” The case underscores the importance of reporting sexual offences, with the investigation highlighting the role of forensic evidence and victim support in securing justice.