Roy Borrowdale

Roy Borrowdale, a 67-year-old man from Driffield, has been sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment for a series of horrific sexual offences committed against young girls, including child rape. The case, which spanned several years and involved investigations by Humberside Police and South Yorkshire Police, came to light in 2018 when one of his victims reported the abuse that occurred in the early 2010s.

Borrowdale repeatedly denied the charges but was convicted by a jury at Grimsby Crown Court on eight counts of sexual abuse. These included raping a girl under 13, raping a girl aged 13 to 15, assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, and five counts of sexual assault on a female. He was acquitted of one count of raping a woman aged 16 or over. The investigation revealed a disturbing trail of abuse, with police seizing his phone and finding incriminating evidence consistent with grooming activities. Despite his claims that others had access to the device, the evidence led to his conviction.

Victim impact statements highlighted the profound and lasting damage caused by Borrowdale's actions. One victim described how he 'waited until I was vulnerable to strip me of my dignity', making her feel 'ashamed and dirty'. She added: 'What you did to me has damaged my enjoyment with intimacy, my trust with men and most importantly my relationship with myself. Telling me it was my fault; I was responsible and I got what I deserved. But the only responsible one in that situation was you. I’m at peace knowing you’ll suffer for what you have done not only to myself, but to others who were unfortunate in knowing the vile animal you really are.'

Another victim stated that Borrowdale 'groomed and manipulated' her to the point she was 'completely under his control'. She explained: 'The abuse has clouded a lot of my childhood, and I lost my sense of self and who I was. This is something I have spent years trying to rebuild and I am still working on every day.' The bravery of the victims in coming forward was praised by Detective Constable Nichola Oakley of Humberside Police's Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, who noted the complex investigation spanning over two police forces.

Detective Constable David Harrison from South Yorkshire Police emphasised Borrowdale's refusal to admit the offences, which forced a trial and required victims to relive their trauma. He said: 'By repeatedly denying the offences, he forced a trial, meaning his victims had to relive the horrors of the crimes he committed against them. I am pleased a jury was able to convict on eight of the nine counts he faced and that a significant custodial sentence has been handed out to him.' In addition to the 25-year sentence, Borrowdale received an additional 12 months on licence and a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.