A STOURBRIDGE paedophile who tried to avoid jail by accusing his four victims of concocting abuse claims to try and get their hands on his partner’s inheritance has been jailed for 18 years.

Trevor Chapman was sentenced after a three-week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court in which the jury heard disturbing details of abuse spanning several years.

The unemployed 52-year-old, formerly of Brook Crescent, Wollescote, was arrested in January 2013 by detectives from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit who were investigating a report of abuse in the 1990s.

Days earlier one of the victims, now in his 30s, had told police he had been repeatedly sexually assaulted by Chapman, who he had met through a friend when around 13-years-old.

The abuse took place at Chapman’s flat in Halesowen.

Subsequent enquiries found other young boys would go to drink and smoke at premises linked to Chapman across Birmingham.

Following the allegation, specialist detectives launched a major investigation to trace Chapman and other potential victims.

Detective Constable Jen Rose said: "This was a challenging and complex case.

"The crimes happened two decades ago so we had to use all of our skills and the force’s resources to find the men who used to visit Chapman’s homes when they were boys.

"This was particularly difficult as some had moved away from the area. Others had moved on with their lives meaning considerable time and effort had to go into getting the men to open up and reveal their secrets."

DC Rose identified four victims and when the allegations were laid out in interview, Chapman claimed the story was a conspiracy with the men wanting a share of his partner’s recent inheritance.

During the trial the jury heard Chapman would ply the boys - all aged between ten and 16 at the time - with cigarettes, alcohol and even cash in exchange for sex.

He was found guilty of 28 offences on March 12 and sentenced to 18 years behind bars. He was also placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.

DC Rose added: "This has been a heavy burden for the boys Chapman groomed and abused over the years to bear alone.

"Their tormentor’s crimes have had a significant impact on their lives with some being left unable to form meaningful relationships because of the abuse they suffered.

"I am pleased that after almost two decades they were finally ready to break their silence and tell us what happened all those years ago.

"This case demonstrates it is never too late to report abuse. West Midlands Police will always believe victims and investigate their allegations thoroughly.

"I would like to commend the bravery of the men because without them Chapman would still be free.

"He now has a long time behind bars to think about the impact his sickening crimes have had."