BENJAMIN MAWDSLEY'S SHOCKING CRIME IN CHELMSFORD: CHILD RAPE AND VIOLENCE REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chelmsford, Benjamin Mawdsley, aged 24 and currently without a fixed address, has been sentenced to six years in prison after a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The case came to light after the victim, now an adult, took the bold step of recording a telephone conversation in which Mawdsley confessed to his past offenses.

According to court proceedings held at Chelmsford Crown Court, Mawdsley's crimes date back to when he was 18 and 19 years old, during which he repeatedly raped a 14-year-old girl over a span of two years. The victim, who was underage at the time, endured a prolonged period of abuse at Mawdsley's hands, which left her emotionally scarred and vulnerable.

The case took a significant turn when the victim, recognizing Mawdsley's presence in Chelmsford town centre, decided to confront him. She arranged a telephone call with him, during which she secretly recorded his confession. This recording proved pivotal in securing a conviction.

During the sentencing, Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC emphasized the coercive and intimidating circumstances surrounding the contact. He stated, "This contact was against a background of intimidation and coercion. She was a vulnerable and damaged person, given to self-harming and in fear of you." The judge highlighted Mawdsley's abusive and violent behavior towards a girl he was fully aware was underage.

Prosecutor Mark Lakin revealed that Mawdsley described the victim as an 'easy target' during the recorded conversation, further illustrating his predatory attitude. The court was visibly affected as Mawdsley's family members sobbed following the sentencing, with one individual shouting, "It’s disgraceful."

Defense lawyer Clare Ashcroft acknowledged Mawdsley's remorse, noting that he was drinking heavily and engaging in self-harm at the time of the offenses. Mawdsley had pleaded guilty to two counts of rape in 2007 and 2008, as well as four counts of sexual activity with a child during the same period in the Chelmsford area.

In addition to his prison sentence, the court ordered Mawdsley to register as a sex offender indefinitely. He was also banned from contacting the victim or associating with any girl under 16 without guardian approval. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Melanie Nicholson, who took the unusual step of working through her days off to interview Mawdsley.

DC Nicholson expressed her admiration for the victim's bravery, stating, "Her courage in coming forward and reporting what happened to her as a teenager enabled us to see this man put behind bars. I hope this conviction encourages other victims to come forward, knowing they will receive support and justice."

Further back in February 2010, Mawdsley was involved in a separate incident when he was living in a flat on Woodhall Road. He was ordered to attend a domestic abuse and alcohol treatment program after a violent outburst at his mother’s home. Court records detailed how, on November 6, 2009, Mawdsley consumed six pints of alcohol and 12 shots before destroying household items, including picture frames, plates, and glasses. During the incident, he grabbed his mother, Wendy, by the throat when she tried to call the police. Despite being asked to leave, Mawdsley returned, banging on the door and smashing a window. He also cut his wrists and pointed a weapon at his girlfriend before police arrived with a taser to subdue him.