Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
‘Depraved’ abuse of girl
PAEDOPHILE JAILED FOR GROOMING VULNERABLE 12 YEAR OLD AS WELL AS RAPING A WOMAN
A RAPIST and paedophile from Uxbridge who groomed an 11-year-old girl has been sentenced to 23 years in jail.
Richard Walby, 48, was sentenced after a jury found him guilty of three counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child, three counts of having sex with a child and 12 rapes.
The crimes related to two victims, the first targeted between February 1993 and February 1996 after Walby, of Sanderson Road, met her at dance classes in Cornwall, reports Cornwall Live .
The first assault happened when the girl was aged 11, before he had sex with her when she was 12 and he was in his mid twenties, the court head on Wednesday March 15.
His second victim, who was over 18 at the time, was raped 12 times in Cornwall and Essex between January 2000 and April 2004.
Judge Simon Carr sentencing at Truro Crown Court, said: “You were convicted by a jury of various sexual assaults against two complainants, one of whom was only 11 when you first met her.
“She was particularly vulnerable as her mother had three other, younger children and found it difficult to give her the time and attention she deserved.
“She loved dancing and found an outlet in dance. You joined the same club in your mid-twenties and showed her the care and attention she was lacking before abusing her in the most appalling way. You groomed her deliberately.
“She was left in the terrible position of loving dancing but hating the abuse that came with it and not only did you groom her, you plied her with alcohol to make her more compliant.
“The first rape happened when the victim was 12 and the abuse carried on over a period of two years.”
Judge Carr said the effect of the crimes on the girl are “devastating” and she still has selfharm scars and has made several attempts to take her own life.
Defending Walby, Rupert Taylor, said that he was a man of previously exemplary character who does not accept he offended in the way described.
Walby was sentenced to 23 years in prison, with a further year to be served on licence, and must sign the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.
DC Robin Riches, of Bodmin CID, said: “This was a sensitive protracted investigation over an 18 month period, where the success was predominantly down to the bravery and courage of the two victims.
“I hope this encourages and provides reassurance to anyone that has been a victim of any abuse to report this to the police, in the knowledge they will be fully supported.”
An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said: “Depraved Walby groomed his young victim with the intention of earning her trust so he could abuse her for his own sexual gratification.
“He carried out these despicable acts with no regard for the consequences they would have on the girl or her family.
“It is thanks to his victims’ bravery in speaking out that Walby is now rightfully behind bars.”
Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free, 24/7, on 0808 800 5000. Meanwhile, children can call Childline on 0800 1111.