Paedophile 'stressed by trial' wins £6,000

A convicted paedophile who sexually abused three boys was awarded nearly £6,000 by the European Court of Human Rights today.

Rupert Massey, 59, an exbarrister, had complained he suffered stress because his case took too long to come to court.

Judges in Strasbourg agreed his human rights had been breached and awarded him ?2,748 in damages and ?2,748 costs.

One of his victims, Dave Meek, 41, today waived his right of anonymity to speak out. He said he also endured stress giving evidence when Massey denied the offences.

Mr Meek, who was eight when he was abused but 36 when the case came to trial, said: "This judgment defies all logic and all justice."

Massey claimed his family life and career suffered when the case dragged on for four years and nine months due to repeated adjournments.

He has now been released and is believed to live in London.