Man who helped put his abuser behind bars shares his experience of the justice process

A survivor of sexual abuse who wrote about his experience of working with the police to convict his abuser has had his book published.

Adam Rainford came to Cheshire Constabulary’s headquarters in Winsford along with his partner, Carolyn Trembath, to hand a copy of his new book, The Seventh Magpie, to the investigating officer, PC Emma Hughes.

The book documents Adam and Carolyn’s emotional journey through the investigation process to the moment his abuser is finally jailed.

The abuser was David Mellor, now 90. He was a table tennis coach in Chester in the late 70s and early 80s.

As a result of Adam bravely coming forward to police in 2017, Mellor was sentenced to five years in prison on 3 July 2019, after changing his plea to guilty for three charges of indecent assault on a boy. He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Adam said:

“I can't give Emma enough praise - she was nothing short of brilliant. She looked after me and made sure the legal case ran properly and smoothly.

“When I started to struggle, Emma referred me to Survivors, who were also amazing. I was interviewed on Radio 4 to share my experience with the police and Survivors - before the programme had even finished on air, Survivors received a number of enquires as a result.

“I’m hoping this book helps more people feel they can come forward and get the justice they deserve.

"I won’t lie, it was a tough journey at times because the process made me face the trauma and the emotions that it triggered.  But with support I came through it and saw David Mellor sent to prison where he belongs.”

PC Emma Hughes said:

“When someone makes that first step in contacting police for such a traumatic crime, we understand how important it is to treat them with sensitivity and respect.

“We support them through the process and signpost them to charities that can help them through having to relive traumatic experiences that may have been buried for many years.

“I can’t thank Adam enough for coming forward and helping us to put this man in jail. He went through so much but bravely carried it through to the end. The change from being a victim to becoming a survivor when their abuser is jailed is something to behold. It shows there is hope.”

Duncan Craig Chief Executive Officer of the charity We Are Survivors said:

“This is a truly heartfelt account which shines an authentic light on the experiences of a male survivor. Adam’s brutal honesty makes this essential reading for anyone wanting to understand male victimhood through the eyes of a real survivor!”

Pictured: left to right - PC Emma Hughes, Adam Rainford, Carolyn Trembath.