Jarod Tasdelen

A serial paedophile from Westbury has been imprisoned for a series of child sexual offences involving the grooming and abuse of vulnerable young girls. Jarod Tasdelen, aged 19 and residing on Eden Vale Road, appeared at Swindon Crown Court where he received a sentence of three years and two months behind bars. The court heard how Tasdelen had systematically targeted three female victims, aged 12, 14, and 14 at the time of the offences, developing inappropriate 'boyfriend/girlfriend' relationships to facilitate sexual exploitation.

Tasdelen faced a total of 20 charges: 16 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and four counts of causing a child to engage in a sex act. He had pleaded guilty to all charges during an earlier hearing, demonstrating an admission of his predatory behaviour. In addition to the custodial sentence, Tasdelen will be required to register as a sex offender for seven years upon his release, ensuring ongoing monitoring to protect the public.

Detective Inspector Mark Luffman of Wiltshire Police commented on the case, stating: 'This case is a good example of how Wiltshire Police is working to disrupt Child Sexual Exploitation in our communities and protect vulnerable people.' He highlighted the tireless efforts of the Trowbridge CID team, particularly Detective Constable Justine Parsons and Detective Constable Paula Manley, in bringing Tasdelen to justice. Luffman described the offender's actions as a systematic pattern of grooming, emphasising the importance of community awareness in spotting signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

An NSPCC spokesman for South West England described the case as 'deeply disturbing', noting that Tasdelen had meticulously groomed the girls with the intention of earning their trust to sexually abuse and exploit them. Despite being fully aware of their young ages, he persisted with his despicable behaviour, which has the potential to cause long-lasting devastation to the victims' lives. The offences underscore the predatory nature of CSE, where inappropriate relationships are used to mask exploitation.

The sentencing took place on 11th August 2016, following an investigation by Wiltshire Police that exemplifies their commitment to tackling child sexual abuse through collaborative efforts, including partnerships with local councils and community organisations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of grooming and the critical role of reporting suspicions to safeguard children.