Graham Boyle, a convicted paedophile from Pembrokeshire, has deceased in jail while serving an 11-year term for the sexual abuse of three young girls.
Boyle, 84, succumbed to metastatic cancer at Bridgend’s Parc Prison in November 2022, as stated in a recently published report by the prisons ombudsman. Notwithstanding his widow’s claims of inadequate healthcare during his imprisonment, the study determined that there were no deficiencies in the care he received.
Boyle, originally from Bridgwater, resided in Pembroke Dock when he was jailed at Taunton Crown Court in September 2017. He confessed to five charges of sexually assaulting minors ages eight to twelve.
The court was informed that Boyle had coerced his victims by threatening them with disbelief should they reveal his offences. A mother recounted the enduring effect on her daughter, stating: “She was exceedingly concerned about not being regarded seriously.” He informed her that no one would believe her and that everyone would despise her if she disclosed the information to anyone.
“My child had her innocence taken.” She summoned her fortitude and bravery to come out due to her fear that other females would be next. She stepped forward to safeguard others.
A mother of another victim expressed her sorrow: “The expression of terror on my daughter’s face will remain with me eternally.” I seek justice for the mental and physical violence inflicted against my daughter.
Judge David Evans criticised Boyle for exhibiting a lack of contrition and for entering a guilty plea only at a late juncture in the proceedings. In addressing Boyle at sentence, the judge remarked: “The dignity exhibited by these girls and their families sharply contrasts with your conduct.”
If you had the integrity to acknowledge your culpability from the beginning, you would have alleviated their unnecessary anxiety leading up to the trial. However, that diminishes in importance when confronted with the egregious assault you perpetrated against each of those victims.
Boyle, appearing extremely agitated as the judge pronounced the 11-year sentence, inhaled deeply and grasped the dock’s railing.
DC James Sherwin of Avon and Somerset Police commended the victims for their bravery, asserting: “Their testimony resulted in Graham Boyle confessing to his heinous offences and receiving an extensive prison sentence today.”
We shall consistently listen to, believe, and respect victims of rape and sexual assault, regardless of the time elapsed since the acts occurred. Our advice to victims is unequivocal: if you choose not to communicate with the authorities, please confide in someone else.
Mortality and humanitarian release
After Boyle’s demise, his spouse enquired why he had not received early release on compassionate grounds owing to his ailment.
Prisons ombudsman Adrian Usher stated in his report: “Staff at Parc collected information regarding Mr. Boyle’s prognosis, which remained ambiguous until two to three days prior to his death, indicating he did not satisfy the criteria for early release.” Acquiring a prognosis that satisfies the criteria for early release is challenging, and it frequently occurs that such a prognosis is only accessible shortly before death.
An independent review commissioned by the NHS about Boyle’s healthcare in prison concluded that it was “very good,” as stated by Mr. Usher.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.