ADRIAN CORDERY SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR RAPE IN DORCHESTER

In a harrowing case that shocked the community of Dorchester, a man named Adrian Cordery has been convicted and sentenced for a brutal sexual assault involving a minor. The incident took place on the evening of December 5, 2019, when a 15-year-old girl was walking along Barnes Way, near St Osmund’s School, after returning from her part-time job.

At approximately 9:20 pm, Cordery, aged 33 and a resident of Dorchester, approached the young girl and forcibly took her onto the school’s playing field. It was there that he committed the assault, wielding a knife and threatening her to comply with his demands. The victim was told that if she followed his instructions, she would not be harmed, and out of fear, she obeyed.

Following the attack, Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), with assistance from the National Crime Agency, launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Detectives worked tirelessly, including analyzing extensive CCTV footage, which ultimately led to the identification of a man believed to be following the victim on the night of the assault. A local officer was able to name Adrian Cordery as the suspect.

In a significant development, Cordery voluntarily provided a DNA sample, which was later matched to the profile obtained from the crime scene. This match was confirmed on February 10, 2020. The following day, police officers arrested Cordery near Dorchester after a brief chase when he attempted to evade them during a stop-and-search operation. The arrest was the culmination of months of meticulous investigation and forensic work.

Prior to his arrest, Cordery had initially admitted to the crime but later changed his plea to not guilty, prompting a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court. During the proceedings, the jury was shown a pre-recorded interview with the victim, who recounted her terrifying experience in detail. She described how the attacker, armed with a knife, dragged her onto the field, threatened her, and assaulted her.

The girl explained that she believed she was going to die during the ordeal. She recounted how the attacker put her jacket over her head to obscure her view, strangled her, and inflicted multiple injuries, including slashing her tights and underwear with the knife. She also described how he forcibly raped her, holding her head down and using considerable force, which caused her significant pain and trauma.

Throughout her police interview, the victim expressed her fear and vulnerability, stating that she felt as if her life was in danger. She described her desperate attempts to escape, including kicking and trying to hit her attacker, but ultimately, she was overwhelmed. After the assault, she managed to run home, overwhelmed with shame, fear, and a sense of violation.

Adrian Cordery was found guilty of the charges, including the rape and threatening behavior involving a knife. On November 3, 2020, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an extended license period of eight additional years. The court’s decision reflects the severity of his actions and the impact on the victim. Cordery will also be registered on the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct after his release from prison.

This case underscores the importance of diligent police work, forensic evidence, and community vigilance in bringing perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice. The community of Dorchester can now find some measure of relief knowing that justice has been served in this disturbing case.