Wednesbury paedophile, 85, dies just eight months into 18 year sentence

One of the UK’s oldest paedophiles died aged 85 - just eight months into his 18 year sentence after "choking on a drink" in prison, a report has found.

Alan Styles was rushed from HMP Birmingham to hospital before being transferred to a hospice to die after his health "significantly deteriorated" behind bars.

The granddad had carers looking after him in jail after staff decided he needed a cell on a special healthcare ward to assist him with everyday needs.

But he was allowed early release on compassionate grounds on July 7 as he became increasingly weaker before he died eight days later on July 15.

Doctors gave his cause of death as "old age frailty", which was accepted by a coroner and no post mortem examination was carried out.

Styles, originally from Wednesbury, had agreed to a ‘Do Not Attempt Resuscitation ‘ order a month after he was caged for raping a young girl and sexually assaulting two others.

The details of his death have been released in a report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

What has the ombudsman said about Alan Styles death?

Karen Johnson, assistant ombudsman, said: "On November 13, 2020, Mr Alan Styles was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for sexual offences and sent to HMP Birmingham.

"At his initial health screen, healthcare staff identified that Mr Styles had a number of health issues relating to old age.

"He was allocated a cell on the health and social care ward, carers helped him with everyday needs.

"On December 10, following a discussion with a prison doctor, Mr Styles agreed to a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation order.

"Mr Styles’ health deteriorated between December 2020 and April 2021, and he was taken to hospital several times, both for investigations and to be admitted for treatment.

"In June 2021, prison staff noted that Mr Styles was becoming frailer.

"On July 1, Mr Styles went to hospital after choking on his drink. His condition deteriorated and the hospital decided to start end of life care.

"He was transferred to Willow House Hospice on July 5, in accordance with his wishes.

"The Deputy Governor granted a special purpose licence with the condition that one prison officer stayed with him at the hospice. His grandson visited him in the hospice.

"The prison discussed the early release on compassionate grounds process at an end of life meeting on July 7.

"The paperwork was sent to the hospice to be signed by the Consultant on July 15.

"At 2.50am on July 18, Mr Styles died. The prison offered to contribute to Mr Styles’ funeral costs are in line with national policy.

"We offer our condolences to Mr Styles’ family and friends.

"The clinical reviewer concluded that the clinical care Mr Styles received at the prison was equivalent to that he could have expected to receive in the Community."

What offences did Alan Styles commit that led him to be sentenced to prison?

Styles was caged after he groomed his victims, including one girl who was just eight, by showering them with gifts during a four-year campaign of abuse between 2014 and 2018.

He was caught when one of the youngsters confided in her mother after she had a Sex Education lesson at school and she alerted police.

When officers raided his home they discovered a camera and memory cards containing 665 indecent images of children.

The sick snaps included 33 of the more serious category A, 225 images at category B and 407 at category C.

The pictures also proved two other girls, also under 12, had been abused by Styles and he was arrested and charged with a string of sex offences.

He was jailed after he admitted 27 offences including rape, sexual assault, taking indecent photos and sexual activity with a child.

Styles was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life and given two years extended licence at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

What have West Midlands Police and the CPS said about the case?

Following the court case last year, police praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward to help convict the elderly pervert.

Speaking at the time, Detective Constable Hannah Osborne, of West Midlands Police, said: "It is due to the bravery of the victims we were able to ensure Styles has been put behind bars for a long time.

"Their courage, and trust in our officers, helped us build up a strong case and ensure he can’t harm any others."

Julia McSorley, of the CPS said previously: “Alan Styles is a dangerous man who committed grave offences against vulnerable children.

"Thanks to the bravery of the victims, we were able to build a strong case against Styles, using video evidence and witness testimony and he had no choice but to admit his guilt for these offences without the need for a trial.

"He will now face the consequences of his actions. The CPS would like to pay tribute to the incredible courage of these victims in finding the strength to bring their abuser to justice.

"We hope that, despite the undoubtedly long-lasting effects of this abuse, the victims can get some closure knowing he has been imprisoned and can no longer harm other children."

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