A paedophile who abused young girls has died in prison. Graham Boyle, of Pembrokeshire, was jailed for 11 years in 2017 after admitting he attacked three girls aged between eight and 12.
A newly released report by the prisons ombudsman states 84-year-old Boyle died of metastatic cancer at Bridgend’s Parc prison in November 2022. His widow alleged that he had received “poor” healthcare at the jail but the report did not find failings in his care.
Boyle, originally from Bridgwater, was living in Pembroke Dock when he was sentenced in September 2017 for five counts of sexual abusing children under the age of 13. Taunton Crown Court heard he had warned the victims they would not be believed if they told anyone of his crimes.
One of the girls’ mothers told the court: “She was so worried she wouldn’t be taken seriously. He told her that no-one would believe her and everyone would hate her if she told anyone. My baby had her innocence stolen. She found her courage and the bravery to come forward because she was afraid other girls would be next. She came forward to protect others.”
The mother of another victim said: “The look of fear on my daughter’s face will stay with me forever. I need to see justice for the mental and physical abuse against my baby girl.”
Judge David Evans noted that Boyle had shown no remorse and had not pleaded guilty until a late stage of the case. “The dignity of what these girls and their families have been through stands in stark contrast to your own behaviour,” the judge told Boyle.
“If you had the decency to admit your guilt from the outset, you would have spared them the needless worry they would undoubtedly have suffered in the run-up to a trial. But that pales in significance in the face of the shameful abuse you inflicted upon each of those girls.” As the judge imposed an 11-year jail term Boyle breathed heavily and clutched the rail of the dock.
DC James Sherwin, of Avon and Somerset Police, praised the victims for their bravery, adding: “Their evidence led to Graham Boyle admitting his horrific crimes and receiving a lengthy custodial sentence today. We will always listen to, believe and respect victims of rape and sexual assault, no matter how long ago offences were committed. Our message to victims is clear. If you don’t want to speak to the police, then please speak to someone.”
Following Boyle’s death his wife questioned why he had not been granted early release on compassionate grounds due to his illness. Prisons ombudsman Adrian Usher wrote in his report: “Staff at Parc gathered information relating to Mr Boyle’s prognosis, which was unclear until two to three days before he died, meaning he did not meet the criteria for early release. Obtaining a prognosis that might meet the criteria for early release is difficult and it is often the case that such a prognosis is only available very close to death.”
Mr Usher added that an NHS-commissioned independent review of Boyle’s care at the prison found it was “very good”. You can read more of our recent coverage on HMP Parc here.
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