John Harris

A man from the West Midlands, John Harris, aged 64, has been jailed for 12 years following his conviction for historic child sexual abuse offences dating back to the 1970s. The case, investigated by West Midlands Police, highlights the enduring commitment to prosecuting such crimes regardless of the time elapsed.

Harris was brought to justice after his victim, who had endured the abuse as a child, came forward when she felt ready to speak about her experiences. With the support of a specialist team of detectives from the non-recent rape and serious sexual offences unit, she assisted in compiling a robust case against him. This collaboration led to Harris facing trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where he was found guilty of nine serious sexual offences.

The offences, committed in 1976, included eight counts of rape and one count of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13. These convictions underscore the gravity of the abuse inflicted on the victim during her childhood. In addition to the 12-year custodial sentence handed down on Friday, 13 June 2024, Harris has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring to protect the public.

Detective Inspector Emma Jobson, from West Midlands Police's dedicated team, praised the victim's courage in her statement: 'All our cases start with the person who suffered the abuse, and it was this woman's strength and fortitude which has meant Harris has now been convicted of crimes carried out many, many years ago.' She further emphasised the force's expertise: 'Despite the passing of time, we have the commitment and expertise to help identify and then trace crucial evidence which has seen this perpetrator being successfully prosecuted.'

The investigation adhered to the laws and legislation in place at the time of the offences, demonstrating that historical barriers do not impede modern justice efforts. This case serves as a testament to the resilience of survivors and the police's resolve in addressing long-standing sexual abuse claims, as reported by West Midlands Police and covered in local media including Dudley News.