Keir Guidotti, a 41-year-old man from Corsham in Wiltshire, was convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughter over several years. The abuse began when the victim, Chloe Songhurst, was 13 years old and continued into her late teens. Guidotti had started dating Chloe's mother when Chloe was six, eventually moving into the family home and forming an initial positive relationship with her as a stepfather.
As Chloe entered puberty at age 13, Guidotti's behaviour shifted dramatically. He developed an unhealthy obsession, forcing her to call him 'dad', purchasing underwear for her, and repeatedly confessing his love. He insisted on excessive physical affection, such as constant hugs, requiring her to say she loved him, and demanding kisses on the lips at night. Refusal led to arguments, with Guidotti pressuring her by reminding her of his role as a father figure. Chloe described how this made home feel like a prison, leaving her deeply uncomfortable and trapped.
The abuse escalated when Chloe started college at 16. Guidotti became more physically aggressive, pushing her onto the bed and screaming in her face if she did not comply with his demands for hugs or affectionate texts. What began as seemingly innocent back scratches and foot massages progressed to inappropriate touching over and under her clothes. He would scratch her legs, move his hands up under her leggings, reach into her waistline and around the top of her vagina, and even go under her bra. On occasions, he kissed the top of her breasts while making comments like 'you make me feel good'. During lockdown, the abuse intensified, contributing to Chloe's severe mental health struggles, including multiple suicide attempts and hospitalisations for self-harm.
The abuse came to light when Chloe's partner, Ollie Hall, confided in his mother, who contacted the police. Guidotti was arrested the following day. The police investigation revealed a disturbing folder on his phone containing photographs of Chloe's buttocks, taken without her knowledge while she was clothed. Guidotti denied the allegations, forcing Chloe to endure a trial at Winchester Crown Court. On 30 June 2024, the trial began, and on 4 July 2024, the jury found him guilty of 13 counts of sexual assault committed when Chloe was aged 17 to 19.
On 5 September 2024, Guidotti was sentenced to 40 months in prison. He was also required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and adhere to a lifelong restraining order. Chloe, now 22 and a pregnant mother living in Wiltshire, waived her anonymity to share her story, highlighting the profound impact of the abuse and encouraging other victims to speak out. She noted that while the sentence felt short, it represented justice served.