A 77-year-old sexual predator has been imprisoned for a campaign of abuse against a woman and a young girl that lasted for several years.
A Pattern of Abuse Uncovered
James Fletcher, of Canterbury Close in Rowley Regis, was the subject of allegations reported to West Midlands Police in June 2021. Following a detailed investigation, detectives from the force's Public Protection Unit established a clear pattern of sexual abuse committed by Fletcher against his two victims.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple sexual offences. The case proceeded to Wolverhampton Crown Court for trial.
Courtroom Admission and Sentencing
Partway through his trial, Fletcher changed his plea and admitted to the charges against him. He pleaded guilty to rape, attempted rape, and two counts of sexual assault, one of which was against a child under the age of 13.
On November 12, 2025, the 77-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison, with an additional three years on licence.
The Lasting Impact on Victims
The court heard powerful victim impact statements detailing the profound trauma caused by Fletcher's actions. The girl, who was abused from the age of 12, stated: "Abuse from you has left lasting effects on my life and mental health, and I continue to struggle with the consequences of what happened to me. I felt scared and manipulated into silence, and the trauma still affects me every day."
The woman he abused added: "My family have been so supportive throughout everything, I know we can all sleep safe knowing this person has been brought to justice and not able to cause pain or misery again."
Following the sentencing, Investigating Officer DC Adrian Jackson commended the victims' bravery. He said: "They have shown incredible courage by speaking out, and by doing so, a sexual predator is now rightly behind bars. I hope anyone reading this knows that support is available in a number of different ways, and if you have experienced something similar – we are here for you."
Support for survivors of sexual abuse is available through various organisations, including those linked by West Midlands Police for those not yet ready to speak directly to the authorities.
