Devon rapist jailed for 26 years

'Welch is a vile human being and dangerous predator'

A Devon rapist described as a 'vile human being and dangerous sexual predator' has been jailed for 26 years, for sexual crimes against women and children spanning three decades.

66-year-old, Christopher Welch, of Westlands, Wrafton in Braunton was convicted of four counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration and one count of indecent assault against a woman.

Mr Welch was also convicted of four counts of indecent assault against children, two counts of indecency with a child, and one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration. He was also found guilty of indecent assault against another woman.

He appeared before Exeter Crown Court and it was heard the offences were committed against three children and two women on multiple occasions in the 80s, 90s and 00s in Devon.

On Thursday 2 April, he received a 26-year sentence, with three on licence. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. 

Devon and Cornwall Police have praised the victims for their courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation.

Their victim statements were read out at court, with one victim stating: “The impact this man has had is irreversible and I carry the weight of what he did to me every day in the life not lived… Take as many years from him as he did from me.

"I thank the police that gathered the case, my support worker, the court, the jury and the judge, for their work and in finding what I believe is a just outcome, albeit bittersweet.”

Detective Constable Kerry Mitchell said: “Welch is a vile human being and a dangerous sexual predator and I welcome today’s sentence.

“All of the victims showed immense courage in coming forward and telling someone about the offences.

“I hope that they, and the wider public, are reassured that Welch is now behind bars.

“If anyone has been victim of child sex abuse, whether recently or in the past, there are specialist units within Devon and Cornwall Police who will listen and investigate thoroughly.”