Kevin Ridler, 44, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a teenage girl over two decades ago. Ridler, who met the victim when she was under 16, was found guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of rape following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court.
The victim reported the abuse to the police in 2021, leading to an investigation by Gloucestershire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team. The court heard that Ridler had befriended the victim at a local community centre, taking advantage of her young age and manipulating her into a sexual relationship.
Despite Ridler’s denial of the charges, the jury’s verdict brought a semblance of closure for the victim, who bravely recounted the enduring impact of the abuse during the sentencing. She spoke of the profound psychological trauma, including PTSD and depression, resulting from Ridler’s actions, and the long and difficult path towards healing through therapy and medication.
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The victim’s statement also emphasized the importance of seeking justice not only for herself but for all survivors who have suffered in silence. She stood as a symbol of resilience and hope, a testament to the strength required to confront and overcome such deeply scarring experiences.
Detective Constable Victoria Bygrave highlighted Ridler’s dangerous manipulation of the victim and commended her courage in coming forward after so many years. The comment emphasized the enduring impact of such offenses and the need to support survivors as they seek justice, no matter the passage of time.
In a similar vein, Laura Opie from the South West Crown Prosecution Service stressed the lasting effects of grooming and abuse, calling for survivors to have the confidence to report their experiences, regardless of the time that has passed.
The article concluded with a message of support for survivors of sexual assault, providing information on how to seek help from specially trained officers and organizations such as the Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre.