A Swindon man who raped and sexually abused victims in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire has been jailed for nearly three decades.
Richard Passway, aged 77, of Bunce Road, was sentenced to 29 years’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court today (20 May) following a complex eight-year investigation.
At previous trials on 25 May 2021 and 7 April 2022, he was found guilty of 14 counts of indecent assault, six counts of rape and two counts of indecency with a child.
The offences happened between 1975 and 1990 in Swindon in Wiltshire, Letcombe Bassett and Faringdon in Oxfordshire, and Fairford in Gloucestershire.
Specialist Investigator Mark Hewston, of Thames Valley Police, said: “Richard Passway is an arrogant and persistent offender who has never taken responsibility for his offending.
“It is only through the resilience and fortitude of his victims, who have supported this investigation since 2014, that he has eventually been brought to justice. This prosecution would not have been possible without them.
“I cannot stress enough how grateful I am for their determination and strength in assisting us. I also thank them for working with and having faith and trust in Thames Valley Police and the investigation.
“I must also make mention of the very dedicated and specialist team within the Crown Prosecution Service. This type of investigation is incredibly difficult to manage but we have secured a conviction and I thank the CPS for their professionalism and expertise.
“In particular, I would like to mention the prosecuting barrister Matthew Walsh, who has been significant in pursuing these matters.
“I hope that Passway can now reflect upon the suffering and misery that he has brought to so many people.
“Thames Valley Police will continue to investigate reports of non-recent sexual offences. Just because offences happened many years ago it does not mean that they are any less serious or destructive and we are committed to bringing offenders to justice.
“If you have any information about a non-recent offence, contact police online or call 101.”
