Chippenham paedo ‘ruined’ young victim’s life during years of abuse

A paedophile's "abhorrent" sex attacks have left his victim wanting to "disassociate" herself from her childhood. Richard Webb was told during a hearing at Winchester Magistrates' Court[1] on November 20 that he had "ruined" his victim's life after spending six years abusing her. The 65-year-old of Unity House, Chippenham[2], was found guilty during a four-day trial of six counts of indecent assault on a child[3].

The first incident assault took place in the 1990s. As a result of his crimes, Webb was jailed for eight years. Speaking about the impact Webb's attacks had on her, his victim said: "I feel as though those years are lost to me.

It feels like I have disassociated myself from most of my childhood. He ruined my life." CRIME: Melksham man stalked and threatened to kill woman[4]

CRIME: Horror crash 'crushed my hopes and dreams' says victim[5] "I don't think I will ever get over what he did to me. I will forever be trying to deal with the abuse I suffered."

The victim was praised by Wiltshire Police[6] for her bravery in coming forward. Detective Constable Lauren Barnard said: "It is clear from the impact statement from the victim just how much she has suffered and continues to suffer to this day as a result of the abuse inflicted upon her by Webb. "His actions have deprived someone of a happy childhood, purely for his own sexual gratification.

His actions are abhorrent and I am pleased he will now serve a custodial sentence for his behaviour. "I would like to take this opportunity to praise the victim for bravely reporting her ordeal to police - this was the first time she had ever spoken to anybody about exactly what she had been through. Without her bravery, we would not have been able to put Webb before the courts for justice to be served."

A statement from the force added: "If you have suffered sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed, please report it to us by calling 101.

You will be supported by specialist officers."

References

1. ^ Winchester Magistrates' Court (www.wiltshirelive.co.uk)
2. ^ Chippenham (www.wiltshirelive.co.uk)
3. ^ indecent assault on a child (www.wiltshirelive.co.uk)
4. ^ Melksham man stalked and threatened to kill woman (www.wiltshirelive.co.uk)
5. ^ Horror crash 'crushed my hopes and dreams' says victim (www.wiltshirelive.co.uk)
6. ^ Wiltshire Police (www.wiltshirelive.co.uk)