AN ex-church minister from Sheldon has been jailed after abusing teenage boys over two decades earlier.
David Stenhouse was a delivery driver and a minister at the time of the offences and he came to know his victims through his job and his work in the local community.
The 77-year-old would take the boys, then aged between 12 and 15, out with him on deliveries where he initiated the sexual abuse, which in most cases took place in the back of his van.
One man disclosed that he was threatened with a knife in order not to tell anyone else of the ongoing abuse.
Stenhouse was convicted 30 years ago for abuse on a teenage boy and received a suspended sentence; however the abuse continued for years afterwards.
West Midlands Police’s public protection unit began an investigation into the historical child sex abuse after Stenhouse’s victims bravely came forward in December 2017 to tell officers what had happened to them years earlier.
After pleading guilty to 13 counts of indecent assault and four counts of gross indecency, last Friday, (June 14) Stenhouse of Bantry Close, Sheldon, was sentenced to 14 years and seven months in jail.
Detective constable Natalie Adkins from PPU said: “This is an appalling case where a member of the community abused his position of trust on these young boys.
“We recognise the bravery and courage of these men in coming forward and don’t underestimate how difficult it is for the victims to relive their traumatic experiences, but their willingness to speak out was crucial in putting Stenhouse behind bars.
“We want this sentence to encourage anyone that it is never too late to report these abhorrent acts and the public should feel confident we will always investigate and prosecute offenders.”
Survivors of sexual abuse can also speak to the NSPCC 24 hours a day on 0808 800 5000 and more information can be found on their website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing- abuse /signs-symptoms-effects/non-recent- abuse /
Counselling services and support for victims of sexual abuse can also be found here: http://www.rsvporg.co.uk/
