Gordon Anglesea

Gordon Anglesea, a retired North Wales Police superintendent, was convicted in October 2016 of historical child sex offences following a six-week trial at Mold Crown Court. The court heard evidence that between 1982 and 1987, Anglesea had abused two boys who were 14 or 15 years old at the time. He was found guilty of one charge of indecent assault against the first boy and three charges of indecent assault against the second.

The offences came to light as part of investigations into historical abuse, with witnesses providing detailed accounts of the assaults. Anglesea, who had denied the charges throughout the trial, was described by prosecutors as having exploited his position of authority. On 4 November 2016, he was sentenced to a total of 12 years' imprisonment, with the judge emphasising the severity of the betrayal of trust involved.

Anglesea began serving his sentence at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool before being transferred to HMP Rye Hill in Northamptonshire on 16 November 2016. However, his time in custody was short-lived. In early December, he complained of abdominal pain and vomiting, and was seen by prison nurses. On 7 December, he was rushed to University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire due to low oxygen levels and blood pressure. He succumbed to multi-organ failure and pneumonia, dying on 15 December 2016.

An inquest held by Coroner Anne Pember concluded that Anglesea's death was due to natural causes. The case drew significant attention due to Anglesea's former role in law enforcement and his prior involvement in high-profile abuse inquiries, including the North Wales child abuse scandal. Reports from BBC News highlighted the swift succession of his conviction and death, noting he had served only six weeks of his sentence.

• Conviction date: 21 October 2016
• Sentencing date: 4 November 2016
• Death date: 15 December 2016