ADAM REEVES FROM WADDESDON, OXFORDSHIRE, SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

In February 2014, Adam Reeves, a 45-year-old IT professional from Waddesdon, Oxfordshire, was sentenced to eight years in prison after a young girl secretly recorded his confession of sexual abuse. Reeves, who lived in Bicester at the time, admitted to seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child during his trial at Oxford Crown Court in January, after police used the covert recording as evidence.

The girl made the recording following police advice that they were dropping their investigation, leading her to capture Reeves confessing and apologizing to her. This evidence proved pivotal in securing his conviction. Detective Constable Natalie Thompson from Thames Valley Police praised the girl’s bravery, saying, “While we would never encourage victims to put themselves at any risk, we commend the victim for her bravery in taping Reeves and his confession. It must have taken a great deal of courage for her to take action like this and we hope this sentence will go some way to helping her feel her actions enabled Reeves to be brought to justice.”

During the trial, Judge Mary Jane Mowat acknowledged the extent of the victim’s determination, stating, “She organised a meeting with you in which she recorded you confessing what you had done and in a way apologising to her.” Despite being confronted with this tape, Reeves continued to deny his crimes, claiming he was sorry to God rather than to the girl. The judge remarked, “I have never seen a witness more distressed than the complainant when she listened to the tape in court.”

Reeves was warned by the court that his victim’s life had been “destroyed” by his actions. The judge described him as a successful IT worker, well-regarded in his community, who engaged in these offences purely for his own sexual gratification. During sentencing, Reeves was made subject to a sexual offences prevention order that prohibits any unsupervised contact with individuals under 16, and he will remain on the sex offenders’ register permanently.

Natalie Brook, manager of the Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, commented on the case, noting that securing such clear evidence is often difficult, which contributes to low conviction rates in the UK. She emphasized the importance of proper support and investigation for victims who come forward. Those seeking help can contact the Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre helpline at 0800 783 6294.