Roy Coxhead 69

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Roy Coxhead, of Erleigh Road, Reading, targeted the “vulnerable” boys with money, cigarettes, alcohol and cannabis before having oral sex and attempting to penetrate the first boy on multiple occasions.

The first boy, who became “entangled” with Coxhead when he was “11 or 12” got a sexually transmitted infection from the businessman following the assaults.

Years later, after luring a second boy to his flat, the businessman put his hands down the teen’s trousers and encouraged him to do the same to him.

Reading Crown Court heard how Coxhead’s grooming of the first boy was so “successful” it only came to light after the sexual abuse of the second boy emerged in 2017.

A statement from the second child’s mother read: “We had to move because we felt frightened living where we were.

“I was scared for [my son] and I was frightened someone would get revenge against us.

“I felt embarrassed and ashamed about what had happened. I was devastated somebody could hurt my boy.

“I was so worn down by everything and this hanging over their heads for such a long time.

“I never doubted [my son] was telling the truth about this. He has been so brave.”

A statement from the first boy was also read aloud at Reading Crown Court.

It read: “I’m sorry it took me so long to come forward but I felt I might lose everyone in my life but I’m so pleased my wife and children are still here.

“I’m glad it is done and I’m happy it is over.”

Coxhead was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual abuse following a two-week trial earlier this year.

Defending, Janick Fielding told the court that Coxhead had been abused as a child.

He said: “This was very much a case of victim-turned-abuser.

“He was someone who wanted to have the company of others. But those who he wanted to spend time with were those he should have avoided.

“The defendant accepts the verdict even though he doesn’t accept guilt.”

Mr Fielding claimed Coxhead was a “hard-worker” who had built up businesses and was “effectively a man of good character”.

He added: “There will be a substantial road he must travel in custody before he is released.”

But Judge Emma Nott rubbished these claims, telling the court Coxhead was “dangerous” and that his offences were “repeated, calculated and predatory.”

Coxhead became involved with the first child when he was “11 or 12” after he offered to “look after” him when his family was having trouble at home.

Judge Nott said: “You made yourself indispensable to him by driving him around in your Rolls Royce.

“This child thought his association with you made him seem cool.

“While you offered him status you took his innocence and his self-esteem.”

Addressing the defence’s claim that Coxhead was a “victim-turned-abuser” and that the first boy had lied about the abuse, the judge added: “By suffering abuse, you know how devastating it was.

“You nonetheless showed no remorse to your victims and you continue to paint yourself as the victim.

“You are the manipulator, you are the liar.”

Years later, Coxhead gave the second child a “sanctuary” at his flat, offering him free food, cigarettes and cannabis.

On one occasion at Coxhead’s home, the 14-year-old, who has special educational needs, shouted “suck my c***” at Coxhead before immediately apologising, the court heard.

Coxhead responded: “Come round to mine and I will.”

In May 2017, Coxhead put his hands down the boy’s trousers and touched his penis before encouraging him to do the same back to him.

The 66-year-old was eventually arrested in June 2017 but it took several years for the case to come to trial after the lead police officer "failed to pursue the case with sufficient urgency and determination," the jury heard during the trial.

The court heard how the effects on the boy have been “profound” as he has had to leave his placement at school and he has become addicted to cannabis.

Summing up, the judge added: “You chose individuals you thought would be unlikely to complain.

“I hope the victims can put this behind them and move on with their lives.”

Coxhead was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with at least twelve of these to be served before he is eligible for parole.

The 66-year-old was sentenced at Reading Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of indecency with a child; three counts of indecent assault on a male person; attempting to commit a serious sexual offence; perverting the course of justice; four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.