Paedophile Anthony Stocks Found Guilty of Attempted Murder and Rape
Anthony Stocks, 54, from Goring-on-Thames, has been convicted of horrific crimes including attempted murder, rape, and multiple sexual assaults on a child under 13. The jury found him guilty on all counts today.
Sinister Plot to Kill Boy Who Tried to Protect a Young Girl
The twisted investigation by Thames Valley and Sussex Police revealed Stocks planned to murder a boy who tried to stop him from abusing a young girl.
Stocks first took the boy to an Oxfordshire quarry, intending to push him off but hesitated. Then on 24th September 2022, Stocks dragged the boy to cliffs at Ovingdean near Brighton and shoved him off a 100-foot drop onto a concrete floor. Remarkably, the boy survived with serious injuries.
Initially treated as an accident, police later uncovered Stocks’ deadly intent. He was arrested on 23rd November 2023 and charged with attempted murder, rape, and multiple sexual offences.
Years of Abuse and a Shocking Betrayal of Trust
Between 2019 and 2022, Stocks lived in east Oxfordshire where he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted a young girl. When the boy discovered these crimes, Stocks decided to eliminate him to keep his offences hidden.
The sick predator even used the boy’s love of football to win his trust, taking him to see Chelsea Football Club before making the deadly trip to the cliffs.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery as Stocks Awaits Sentencing
Detective Sergeant Rachel Jackson said: “These were absolutely horrific and evil offences. Stocks subjected the girl to years of abuse, then tried to kill the boy who wanted to protect her. “Stocks pushed the boy off the cliffs, expecting him to die. Miraculously, he survived but has no memory of the fall. Stocks showed no remorse and is a very dangerous individual.”
She added: “The victims showed incredible courage and maturity, helping us bring Stocks to justice. Thanks to their bravery, he will spend a long time behind bars.”
Detective Constable Vicki Blythe of Sussex Police said: “Stocks betrayed the trust of two young victims whose lives will never be the same. The community was shocked on 24 September 2022 when the boy was pushed off the cliff. It was a miracle he survived.”
She urged anyone suffering sexual abuse to come forward and assured them they would be believed and supported.
Stocks is currently awaiting sentencing. The full horror of his crimes has left a lasting impact on victims and officers alike, highlighting the bravery it takes to stand up to such evil.
