An X Factor contestant has admitted to a courtroom that he committed sexual offences against nine women over a 22-year period.
Phillip Blackwell, who gained fame for his odd rendition of Spandau Ballet’s Gold on the ITV talent show, is now facing jail after confessing to the horrific crimes.
The 55-year-old serial attacker appeared at Warwickshire Crown Court today to admit sexual offences against nine women in Cornwall, the West Midlands and Warwickshire over a 22-year period.
The court heard how in each case, the victims – all women – were walking in the early hours by themselves when Blackwell attacked.
The women were attacked from behind, before being raped or subjected to other vile sexual offences, the court heard.
(Image: SWNS)
Blackwell, of Western Road, Launceston, Cornwall, shocked audiences when he first appeared on The X Factor back in 2008 and gave one of the show’s most bizarre auditions ever.
The former classroom supervisor ended his version of Spandau Ballet’s hit Gold by singing the last note for almost 30 seconds, leaving audiences from home and the live audience gasping at the time.
Four of his victims were attacked in Birmingham, West Mids, in 1997 and 1998.
Another victim was attacked in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, in May 1998.
The rapist attacked another four women in Cornwall between 2005 and 2019.
Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Corfield from the Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit said: “Blackwell offended on a huge scale.
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“It is clear he is a dangerous and manipulative sexual predator who has caused untold misery to his victims for the purpose of his own sexual gratification. He poses a serious danger to women.
“Today, after more than 20 years of offending, Blackwell’s past has caught up with him and now he must face the consequences of his actions.
“Most of the survivors of his crimes have had to wait many years for justice and will have been forced to relive the horrors Blackwell subjected them to.
“All the women he has attacked and abused have shown immense courage and I hope they can take some comfort from this conviction.”
Karen Hackett, of the CPS, said: “Blackwell is a prolific sex offender who committed 31 sexual offences against nine victims over 22 years while maintaining a veneer of respectability in the communities in which he lived.
“His victims have all suffered life-changing consequences due to his crimes, and we are pleased that he has finally been brought to justice.”
(Image: SWNS)
The court also heard how the operation to snare him was one of the biggest ever carried out by Warwickshire Police.
The reality TV star pleaded to four counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and five counts of indecent assault.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of false imprisonment in February.
In May Blackwell appeared via video link amid the coronavirus pandemic at court again where he pleaded guilty to a further 20 sexual offences.
This included nine counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of voyeurism.
Blackwell also pleaded guilty to one count of making indecent photographs of a child and a count of voyeurism.
He appeared at court again today (Thursday, June 18, 2020) where restrictions on reporting court proceedings were lifted – allowing him to be named.
He will be sentenced on July 27.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
