Victim praised for bravery after paedophile jailed
A victim of a paedophile sex predator has been praised for his bravery after his abuser was jailed for nine years.
Richard Groome, 80, sexually assaulted a vulnerable boy while he was working at a boarding school in south Shropshire more than 30 years ago.
The offences took place in the 80s, when Groome worked at the school as Head of Care.
Groome, of Somerset, was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court for two counts of indecent assault and one count of another serious sexual offence. He was found guilty on April 30 following a trial.
Superintendent Stuart Bill said: “I would like to commend the bravery of the victim and their loved ones during the trial which will have undoubtedly been difficult and traumatic for them. Hopefully this result will help to provide them some closure.
“Groome was in a position of trust which he abused when committing these horrific offences and this is reflected in the sentence he has received.
“I hope this serves as a stark message that no matter when an offence took place we will continue to pursue those responsible and bring them before the courts.”
Shrewsbury Crown Court heard that the boy had been sent to the school in Shropshire having had a difficult relationship with his family and being put into care. He had enjoyed his time there and began developing socially before being victimised by Groome.
Groome’s crimes went undiscovered, but in the year 2000 at Chester Crown Court he was convicted of unrelated but similar indecent assaults against three teenage boys.
He was jailed for eight years in 2000 but it wasn’t until 2017 that he would be interviewed by police in connection with the assaults on the boy in Shropshire.
