Sex beast caged after being found guilty of 20 child abuse charges

Roy Willans persuaded his victims to take part in sex acts with him dozens of times, and used 'psychological blackmail' when they threatened to tell their parents, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Sean Dodds told the court Willans plied the boys with cigarettes and alcohol, and rewarded them after sexual activity by letting them see his ferrets.

"A feature of this case is an element of psychological blackmail," said Mr Dodds.

"If the boys mentioned telling someone of what was happening, he told them they shouldn't do that because it would set off his poorly heart.

"He said the boys would be beaten up because everyone would think they were gay."

One of the victims said in a victim impact statement read to the court: "I still have difficulty forming close relationships, and if a girl cuddles up to me I instinctively push her away.

"Willans abused me at least 30 times."

Willans denied 20 charges of child abuse.

He was convicted by a jury after a trial of six charges of indecency with a child, and five charges of indecent assault.

Pamela Brain, defending, said in mitigation: "There is little I can properly say about the offending, because Mr Willans still denies it.

"He did have a difficult upbringing, and went to prison as an adult.

"After release, he got a job, settled down with a partner, and had two daughters who are both now in their 20s.

"His family is standing by him, but his relationship is at an end, not least because his conviction makes it complicated for his partner to see their grandchildren.

"That is a significant punishment for Mr Willans, and he will be punished further by the inevitable prison sentence."

Judge Tony Briggs sentenced Willans to nine years in prison.

The judge told him: "You insinuated yourself into the lives of these young boys, and grooming took place.

"One of your victims was particularly vulnerable, and you caused him significant distress and harm.

"There is sexual offending on your record, but nothing of this gravity.

"Your continued denials means you have shown no remorse."

Willans was made the subject of an order banning him from unsupervised contact with children for life.

The judge made Willans the subject of a one year extended licence, which means he will be on licence for an extra year after his release from custody.

Willans, of Finchale Avenue, Billingham, must register as a sex offender for life.