Victim of 'depraved' sex abuse couple calls for review of case

A SECOND person horrifically abused by a couple says she wants the authorities to admit they could have done more to protect her.

The woman says there were "numerous" chances for council staff, police and health professionals to stop the attacks by Robert and Rita Oldham.

The couple were sent to prison for a total of 26 years last month after a judge said they were responsible for a "catalogue of depravity".

The victim, who cannot be identified, is calling for the authorities to run a serious case review into how the pair were able to abuse her when she was a child and also attack other children over 13 years.

After the sentencing, one victim told the Post the attacks had given her nightmares and she had turned to drink.

The second victim says only a full investigation into the handling of the whole case will give her peace of mind.

She said: "They didn't believe what I was saying. There were numerous occasions to do something.

"I've got a copy of all the paperwork now. I believe it could all have been prevented."

The case will be discussed tomorrow when the Notts Safeguarding Children Board holds a serious case review panel.

The woman added: "They now need to investigate properly instead of giving it a quick once-over."

She also claimed:

She made a statement as a child and had a medical examination which confirmed she was being abused, but nothing happened.

She "begged" authorities to stop the Oldhams.

Files indicate a social worker did not believe her and thought her allegations were down to immaturity.

She added: "If they can prevent it happening again, then some good has come from this.

"I want them to admit that they could've done more. I was happy to finally get justice when they were sentenced but I was angry it took so long when it could have been done a lot sooner.

"I'm still very angry. It was horrific sexual abuse."

To protect the identity of the victims, the exact circumstances of the crimes cannot be published.

Robert Oldham, 53, and Rita, 51, were described as "cold, selfish and utterly lacking in remorse" by the police officer who handled their case.

Robert Oldham pleaded guilty to 16 offences including rape and indecent assault and was sentenced to 20 years at Nottingham Crown Court.

His wife was sentenced to six years. She had admitted three offences – rape, indecent assault and willfully neglecting and exposing a child to assault and ill-treatment.

The offences happened at various addresses in Notts from 1993 to 2006.

The Oldhams, of Greendale Crescent, Clipstone, denied a number of other charges.

The victim added: "There are still gaps in the system; I wonder how many more people has it failed while this was happening?

"I want to inform people how they went wrong for me and for others and I want to know why I wasn't listened to."

Chris Few, of Notts Safeguarding Children Board, said: "I can confirm that the serious case review panel has now gathered information to inform their recommendations on the scope and nature of any review in relation to this case.

"The panel will be meeting tomorrow and I will make a decision following receipt of their recommendation."