A 62-year-old man from Freshwater has today been sentenced to nine years in prison for the abduction and oral rape of a three-year-old girl last summer.
On the August bank holiday in 2020, police were called to Fort Victoria Country Park with a report that a young girl had been seriously sexually assaulted in an area of woodland by a man she did not know.
Charged and admitted
Following a thorough investigation involving police officers from across the Isle of Wight and the mainland, Graham Medway was charged with rape of a child under the age of 13.
He later admitted the offence in court and was today (Friday) sentenced at Isle of Wight Crown Court.
Heartbreaking details
The heartbreaking detail of what took place on that bank holiday emerged in court today as prosecutor, David Richards, explained the offence was for the oral rape of the young girl.
It was explained that the girl had run off from her mother into the woods, who then spent a frantic eight minutes searching for her daughter before they were reunited. The girl told her mother immediately what had happened and the police were called.
DNA from the girl found on underwear
After given a description of the attacker, including specific detail about his clothing, police arrested Medway the same night. The court heard that he first denied the offence, but DNA from the girl was found on his underwear.
It was said that he admitted the offences in order to save the family the anguish of a trial, and that he was ashamed and disgusted by his actions.
You can read the full court report by Liam Chorley on the CP Website.
Secured justice for the young girl
Detective Chief Inspector Liam Davies, who led the investigation, said:
“I am so pleased that we have been able to secure justice for the young girl and her family in this case.
“I want to formally thank them for their brave support as well as the public for their overwhelming response to our appeals. Both have been pivotal in achieving a successful conviction.
“It is also important to recognise the efforts of staff across the Constabulary who worked around the clock away from their families to ensure we were able to get this dangerous man off our streets.”
Superintendent Sarah Jackson, District Commander for the Isle of Wight, said:
“The officers involved in this awful case worked tirelessly to bring the investigation to the point we have reached today.
“Stranger assaults of this nature against children are extremely rare, and I hope the community feels reassured that when we receive these sorts of allegations, we will take them seriously and we will do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.
“We work very hard on the Isle of Wight to tackle sexual offences in partnership with organisations that support survivors. We want you to have the confidence to come forward and talk to us if something has happened to you, or somebody you know.”
NSPCC: Deeply disturbing
An NSPCC spokesperson said:
“This is a deeply disturbing case, in which a very young girl was subjected to a brutal and terrifying ordeal. Medway’s abuse will have had a profound effect on this child and her family, and it is vital they are provided with the full support they need to recover and move on from this.
“If you suspect a child has been assaulted, you can speak in confidence to NSPCC professionals on our helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected]. If someone is in immediate danger always call 999.”
Confidential advice
Child protection charity The Lucy Faithfull Foundation also runs the Stop It Now! helpline – 0808 1000 900 – which offers confidential advice to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s behaviour towards children.
Article edit
2.30pm 8th Jan 2021 – Comment from NSPCC added
3.45pm 8th Jan 2021 – Comment from police added
3.50pm 8th Jan 2021 – Sentence changed from 14 to 9 years
Source: IW County Press
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview
