Joseph Lawrence

On 3 April 2011, a 16-year-old girl in Reading endured severe sexual abuse orchestrated by a group that included Joseph Lawrence, Amber Roderick, and Patrick Maughan. The perpetrators plied the victim with alcohol, leading to an assault involving rape and further abuse, demonstrating the coordinated nature of the attack.

Following a two-week trial at Reading Crown Court in December 2011, Lawrence was found guilty by a jury of the charges against him. On 19 January 2012, he received a sentence of seven years' imprisonment from Judge John Reddihough, who noted the 'horrendous' impact of the crimes exacerbated by the involvement of multiple offenders and the application of force.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Victoria Griffiths from the Thames and Chiltern CPS remarked: 'These were horrendous offences committed. The use of force upon the 16-year-old girl and the fact that there were a number of people involved, increases the severity and seriousness of these offences.' The investigation was led by Thames Valley Police, ensuring a thorough prosecution of the case.

This sentencing reflects judicial efforts to deter such grave sexual violations, with Lawrence's conviction forming part of a broader accountability for the group's actions.