Francis Wells, 81, will likely die in prison
14:49, 07 Apr 2026Updated 15:24, 07 Apr 2026
Truro Crown Court(Image: BPM MEDIA)
A child rapist who showed “no remorse” has been jailed for 22 years after carrying out his “brutal” abuse, a court has heard.
Francis Wells, 81, committed the offences in Cornwall decades ago and will likely die in prison.
Wells, of Back Commercial Street, Barnoldswick in Lancashire, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentence on Tuesday (April 7) having been convicted of two rapes of a child, two indecent assaults and two indecency with a child charges.
Prosecuting the case, Ms Bethany Rickerby allowed the court to hear the harrowing impact statements of Wells’ victims, who bravely detailed the extent of the trauma he has put them through.
One said: “I hope it is recognised the life long and far reaching harm his choices have caused and I hope he can never inflict that pain again.”
Defending, Mr Robert Smith stressed Wells would be turning 82 this month and that it is possible he is unlikely to ever leave prison.
He asked the judge to make the sentence as short as possible for that reason.
Sentencing, His Honour Judge Simon Carr described Wells’ crimes as “brutal” stressing the effect on his victims has been “devastating”.
“It has influenced every aspect of their lives and the courage it has taken for them to come forward is noted,” he said.
He noted the defendant meanwhile, has “shown no remorse” and has “no insight” into the harm he has caused pleading not guilty to the charges against him.
Judge Carr said: “You have no insight into the harm you’ve caused and no care for anyone but yourself.”
Wells was sentenced to 22 years in prison and will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
Officer in the case, Police Staff Investigator Jo Wilson said: “I would like to commend the victims in this case who were so brave in coming forward in the beginning and who then have continued to support the Police during what became a lengthy investigation.
“Due to their courage in giving evidence, justice has truly been served culminating in the Judge passing a sentence that will, in all likelihood, mean the offender will never leave prison again.
“I would like to reassure victims of historic abuse that you will be listened to, and we will do all we can to investigate and help and support you moving forward.”
Support available
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Advice and support can also be found at:
National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999
Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626
For more information please visit: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger from sexual abuse or exploitation call 999 now. If it’s not an emergency please use the “Report” button on our website www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or call 101. You can report child sexual abuse anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/