Devon Rapist Locked Up for 26 Years After Decades of Abuse
A “dangerous sexual predator” has been caged for 26 years following horrifying crimes against women and children spanning three decades.
Christopher Welch’s Sickening Crimes Revealed
Christopher Welch, 66, from Wrafton in Braunton, was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court of multiple offences. These included rape, assault by penetration, and indecent assault on women, along with sexual offences against children. The court heard Welch’s vile attacks targeted three children and two women throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, all within Devon.
Harsh Sentence and Lifelong Consequences
On Thursday, 2 April, Welch was sentenced to 26 years behind bars plus an additional three years on licence. He’s also been slapped with lifetime registration on the Sex Offenders Register.
Victims’ Courage Praised by Police
Police hailed the bravery of the victims who stepped forward, with powerful personal statements read out in court. One victim described the abuse’s impact as “irreversible” and spoke of living “every day in the life not lived.”
Detective Constable Kerry Mitchell called Welch “a vile human being” and welcomed the tough sentence. She said it should reassure both victims and the public.
She also urged anyone affected by sexual abuse, past or present, to contact the police. Specialist units stand ready to offer support and take action. Support groups like Victim Support and the National Rape Crisis Helpline are available to those in need.
