Richard Webb

A 65-year-old man from Trowbridge has been jailed for eight years following his conviction for sexually abusing a young girl over a six-year period. Richard Webb was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault at Winchester Crown Court after a four-day trial.

The offences occurred between 1996 and 2002, spanning a significant portion of the victim's childhood. The abuse came to light when the victim bravely reported the ordeal to police for the first time, enabling authorities to bring Webb to justice. On 20 November 2023, Judge Nigel Lickley handed down the custodial sentence, recognising the profound and lasting impact on the victim.

The victim provided a powerful impact statement during the proceedings, detailing the devastating effects of the abuse. 'I feel as though those years are lost to me. It feels like I have disassociated myself from most of my childhood,' she said. 'He ruined my life. I don’t think I will ever get over what he did to me. I will forever be trying to deal with the abuse I suffered.' Her courage in coming forward was praised by investigating officers.

Detective Constable Lauren Barnard from Wiltshire Police commended the victim's bravery in a statement following the sentencing. 'It is clear from the impact statement from the victim just how much she has suffered and continues to suffer to this day as a result of the abuse inflicted upon her by Webb,' DC Barnard said. 'His actions have deprived someone of a happy childhood, purely for his own sexual gratification. His actions are abhorrent and I am pleased he will now serve a custodial sentence for his behaviour.' She highlighted that without the victim's report, justice would not have been possible.

The case was prosecuted at Winchester Crown Court, with evidence presented over four days leading to Webb's unanimous conviction. Wiltshire Police led the investigation, underscoring their commitment to supporting victims of historical sexual abuse. This sentencing serves as a reminder of the long-term pursuit of justice for such serious crimes.