Stephen Godridge

Stephen Godridge, a 31-year-old former special constable from Bolton, has been jailed for 10 years and eight months following his conviction for raping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The offences occurred in November 2023, only four months after Godridge's release from prison where he had served time for sexually assaulting two 15-year-old girls in 2019.

Godridge, who had previously worked as a volunteer special constable with Greater Manchester Police until his suspension and resignation in 2016 amid investigations into his earlier abuses, targeted the vulnerable teenager online. He groomed her through video chats on Snapchat, deliberately using the platform to identify and engage young girls for sexualised contact. On 15 November 2023, Godridge arranged to pick up the girl in his car and drove her to Breckside Park in Anfield, Liverpool, where he raped and sexually assaulted her.

During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Godridge claimed the victim had told him she was 17 and that their encounter was consensual, but the jury rejected this defence and found him guilty of two counts of rape, sexual assault, assault, and breaching a sexual harm prevention order. The order, imposed after his 2019 conviction, prohibited contact with anyone under 16, yet Judge Gary Woodhall noted that it 'did nothing to prevent you from offending in an almost identical way again.' The judge described Godridge as 'highly manipulative' and stated he had 'perfected his methods over many years.'

• Godridge was arrested in 2016 while serving as a special constable for sexually abusing two 15-year-old girls, leading to his suspension and resignation.
• In 2019, he was jailed for those assaults.
• Released in 2023, he offended again within months by grooming the 14-year-old victim.
• The court heard from the girl's mother, who said: 'He has stolen my little girl,' highlighting the profound mental health impact on her daughter.

Detective Sergeant Bob Sandham from Merseyside Police described the offences as 'hugely traumatic' with a 'long-lasting effect on his victim and her family.' He noted that Godridge's denial forced the victim to endure a trial, but expressed hope that the sentencing would bring her some justice as she recovers. In addition to the custodial sentence, Judge Woodhall imposed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order and required Godridge to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

This case, reported by BBC News on 8 July 2024, underscores the ongoing risks posed by repeat sexual offenders and the challenges in preventing reoffending despite protective measures. Sources include court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court and statements from Merseyside Police.