Stephen Hudd

Stephen Hudd, a 60-year-old man from Trowbridge in Wiltshire, was convicted of serious sexual offences against a young girl under the age of 13. The case, investigated by Wiltshire Police, culminated in Hudd's appearance at Salisbury Crown Court, where he received a substantial custodial sentence for his predatory actions.

Hudd pleaded guilty to nine counts of child sexual abuse, specifically comprising three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, three counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of assault by penetration. These offences were described by authorities as selfish and predatory, robbing the victim of her childhood innocence and causing profound trauma to her and her family.

• Sexual assault of a child under 13 (three counts)
• Causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity (three counts)
• Assault by penetration (three counts)

During the sentencing hearing, which took place two weeks prior to the report's publication on 2 April 2026, the victim's mother delivered a poignant personal statement. She articulated the devastating impact of Hudd's crimes, stating: "Although my daughter is the victim in all of this, these events and the trauma it has caused has not just impacted her. This has had a devastating effect on our entire family, and it has blown our world apart. The consequences of his actions have had a huge ripple effect and continue to affect every part of our lives. It is truly heartbreaking. He has ruined everything for her - how she views men, how she views the world, and he has taken the innocence of her childhood away."

Detective Constable Danielle Swanborough of Wiltshire Police commended the bravery of the survivor and her family's support throughout the investigation. She remarked: "Hudd's selfish and predatory actions have been devastating for his victim and those around her. I would like to praise the bravery of the survivor of this abuse and the support we have been given by her family during this investigation. Hudd will now serve a significant amount of time in prison."

As part of his sentence, Hudd was ordered to serve a minimum of 12 years and nine months in prison, with the possibility of release on licence for an additional year thereafter. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register, which prohibits him from working unsupervised with children or young people. The case underscores the severe consequences faced by perpetrators of child sexual abuse in the UK judicial system.