Pub landlord jailed for 25 years over horrific child sex abuse
Roy Borrowdale, 67, a Driffield pub landlord, has been locked up for 25 years after a string of sickening sex offences against young girls. The vile crimes, including the rape of a child under 13, date back to the early 2010s.
The twisted case broke in 2018 when one brave victim came forward, triggering an investigation that uncovered multiple survivors. Borrowdale was convicted of eight charges including rape, assault, and sexual abuse.
Victims Speak Out: ‘He Took My Dignity’
One victim told the court how Borrowdale “waited until I was vulnerable to strip me of my dignity,” leaving her feeling “ashamed and dirty.” She said:
“What you did to me has damaged my enjoyment of intimacy, my trust with men and most importantly my relationship with myself… The only responsible one in that situation was you.”
Another survivor described how Borrowdale groomed and manipulated her until she was “completely under his control,” scarring her childhood and self-worth forever.
Police Reveal Long, Complex Hunt for Justice
Detective Constable David Harrison of South Yorkshire Police, who led the probe, said:
“Borrowdale exploited young and vulnerable victims, abusing his position as a landlord. By denying his crimes, he forced his victims to relive their trauma in court. I’m pleased the jury convicted him on eight of nine counts and a hefty sentence has been handed down.”
He added a powerful message to survivors everywhere:
“It doesn’t matter how long ago the offences happened. It’s never too late to report sexual abuse. We’re here to listen and support victims every step of the way.”
Support Services Laud Courage and Teamwork
Detective Constable Nichola Oakley from Humberside’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said:
“No sentence can fully reflect the trauma caused by Borrowdale’s prolonged abuse. But today, an utterly deplorable man is behind bars and can no longer harm anyone else.”
She praised the victims and their families for their strength throughout the lengthy investigation involving multiple police forces and credited the officers and support workers who helped bring the predator to justice.
Borrowdale was also slapped with a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and an extra 12 months on licence after his release.
