Man jailed for sexually abusing women and children

A man from Braunton has been sentenced to 26 years behind bars for sexually abusing women and children over a number of years.

66 year old Christopher Welch was convicted of multiple offences including rape following a trial at Exeter Crown Court.

The offences happened across three decades in Devon, and he’ll remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Kerry Mitchell said: “Welch is a vile human being and a dangerous sexual predator and I welcome today’s sentence.

“All of the victims showed immense courage in coming forward and telling someone about the offences.

“I hope that they, and the wider public, are reassured that Welch is now behind bars.

“If anyone has been victim of child sex abuse, whether recently or in the past, there are specialist units within Devon and Cornwall Police who will listen and investigate thoroughly.”