AUSTEN REED FROM BEDMOND NEAR ABBOTS LANGLEY DENIES SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRL

In July 2014, a man from Bedmond, a village near Abbots Langley, faced serious allegations in a case that drew significant attention. Austen Reed, aged 35 and residing on Bluebell Drive, appeared before the Crown Court in St Albans to respond to multiple charges related to sexual offences involving a minor.

Reed entered a plea of not guilty to four separate counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl who was only 13 and 14 years old at the time. These alleged offences are said to have taken place between February 2010 and February 2011. The charges suggest a disturbing pattern of inappropriate conduct with a minor, which Reed firmly denied.

In addition to these allegations, Reed also faced three further charges accusing him of causing the same girl to participate in sexual activities on three separate occasions, spanning from February 2010 to February 2013. These charges imply an ongoing and troubling relationship with the underage girl over a period of more than three years.

Furthermore, Reed admitted to possessing and downloading indecent images of children. Specifically, he pleaded guilty to one charge of making four indecent images and another of possessing four such images. These admissions add a further layer of seriousness to the case, highlighting the extent of his alleged misconduct.

Judge Stephen Warner scheduled the case for a trial on the charges Reed denied, setting the date for 16 February of the following year. During the proceedings, Reed was granted bail, allowing him to remain free pending the outcome of the trial. The case continues to attract public and media interest due to the serious nature of the allegations and the implications for the local community.