OLD WOKING CHILD RAPIST CHRISTOPHER HOLGATE SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN WOKING AND BISLEY

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Old Woking and surrounding areas, Christopher Holgate, aged 40, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 17 years on Friday for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls. The crimes, which spanned over five years, involved grooming, drug and alcohol facilitation, and multiple instances of sexual assault at various locations including his own residence, the victims' homes in Woking and Knaphill, and even a woodland area in Bisley, Guildford.

Holgate's criminal activities came to light after a detailed investigation by Surrey Police’s Public Protection Investigation Unit (PPIU). The investigation was initiated in October 2012 when one of the victims courageously contacted authorities to report her experience of historic sexual abuse. The case was brought before Guildford Crown Court, where the evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of a predatory individual who exploited vulnerable young girls for his own gratification.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Piers Reed, outlined that the offenses involved two victims who, at the time of the abuse, were under the age of consent and described as vulnerable girls. The court heard that Holgate had befriended one girl and gained her trust, becoming a 'trusted friend' by the age of 13. However, this trust was betrayed as he subsequently subjected her to a series of abusive acts. The court was told that Holgate had plied her with alcohol and white powder, and on one occasion, she awoke to find him performing a sex act on her before they engaged in intercourse. The judge described her as being too naive to understand that what was happening was rape, and her life has been significantly impacted by the trauma.

Another victim, who was also a young girl at the time, was described as having 'child-like qualities' by Judge Peter Moss. Holgate's treatment of her involved drug and alcohol abuse, and repeated sexual assaults, including six or seven instances of abuse. The judge emphasized the brutality of the acts, stating, “You plied her with vodka and drugs before you raped her,” and that she felt trapped during these encounters.

The court also heard that Holgate had befriended another girl, who, by the age of 13, considered him a trusted confidant. However, this relationship was exploited as well. One night, Holgate gave her alcohol and white powder, and she later woke to find him performing a sex act on her. They then engaged in intercourse, with the girl being too naive to realize she was being raped. Her statement to the court revealed feelings of dirtiness, guilt, shame, and disgust, and her relationship with her friends was strained as a result of the abuse.

Judge Moss highlighted the profound and lasting impact of Holgate’s actions, stating, “Your activities have fractured even your own family. That impact is so common in cases such as this.” The court was also informed that Holgate had suffered abuse himself as a child, which his defense barrister, Lisa Matthews, suggested might have contributed to his behavior. She noted that some family members might now consider relocating due to the negative feelings in the area.

Holgate, who resides on St Peter’s Road in Old Woking and had no prior convictions, denied all allegations during the trial. Nevertheless, the jury found him guilty of seven counts of rape involving girls aged between 13 and 15, and one count of sexual activity with a female under 16. He was acquitted of two additional rape charges, as well as charges related to causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The judge sentenced Holgate to 17 years in prison, with the understanding that he will serve half of that term. Upon release, he will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and must register as a sex offender. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the need to protect the community from such predatory behavior.

Detective Constable Kate Waters, who led the investigation, described Holgate as a “predatory paedophile” who systematically groomed and abused his victims over an extended period. She praised the bravery of the victims for coming forward and giving evidence, which was instrumental in securing the conviction. Waters emphasized that Holgate’s refusal to show remorse and his denial of responsibility had made the court process more difficult for the victims, but their courage had ultimately led to justice.

Holgate’s case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who exploit trust and vulnerability for their own depraved purposes. The community of Old Woking and nearby areas can now hope for some measure of closure, knowing that a dangerous offender has been removed from society for a significant period.