Richard John Haddlesey

Richard John Haddlesey, a 52-year-old former supply teacher from Weymouth, Dorset, has been imprisoned for eight years following his conviction for child sex offences committed between April 2013 and April 2015. Haddlesey, whose address was listed as Abbotsbury Road in Weymouth, appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court on 8 December 2022 for sentencing after a trial in November where a jury found him guilty on three counts: two of assault by touching a girl under the age of 13 and one of inciting or causing a girl under the age of 13 to perform sexual activity. The offences involved the repeated sexual abuse of a girl, beginning when she was in year four, with incidents occurring on multiple occasions at an address in Weymouth.

The court heard harrowing details from the victim's police interview and impact statement. She described the first incident happening when she was around nine years old, involving inappropriate touching of her genitals. The abuse continued over a period of years, leaving the survivor with profound emotional scars. In her statement, read to the court, she expressed feelings of 'constant shame, anger and self-hatred' but emphasised her resilience, stating: 'You have not won because I continue to speak. I could go on for days telling you about how your behaviour has changed me as a person but that would be a waste of my time because you don’t care.' She further declared: 'People say that you should forgive people who hurt you so I forgive you but can you forgive yourself? You have not won, you do not have power anymore, I have the power. Day after day I feel stronger and what you did will not define me as a person.' The victim revealed that she had not felt able to disclose the abuse at the time, but at age 12, upon seeing Haddlesey at her school during a job application visit, she 'burst into tears', prompting her to come forward.

His Honour Judge Stephen Climie praised the victim's 'extraordinary strength' in giving evidence despite Haddlesey's 'constant denial' throughout the proceedings. Haddlesey, who had worked as a supply teacher at various schools in Dorset, was described in mitigation as being of 'otherwise good character' and suffering from anxiety, with the court process having 'weighed heavily' on him. However, the judge imposed a custodial sentence of eight years, of which Haddlesey must serve two-thirds before eligibility for release. Additionally, he was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order to protect the public and the victim.

The case was reported by the Dorset Echo on 10 December 2022, highlighting the severity of child sex offences and the justice system's response. Dorset Police investigated the allegations, leading to Haddlesey's arrest and trial. This conviction underscores the long-term impact of such abuses and the importance of victim testimonies in securing justice.