CRAIG EDWARDS SENTENCED IN BROXTOWE FOR CHILD RAPE OFFENSES

In September 2018, a man from Broxtowe was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. Craig Edwards, aged 32 and residing on Bracken Close in Broxtowe, pleaded guilty to three separate counts of rape, each involving different victims who were minors at the time of the assaults.

During the proceedings at Nottingham Crown Court, Judge Stuart Rafferty QC addressed Edwards directly, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes. The judge stated that Edwards would serve half of his ten-year sentence in prison, with the remaining period to be served on license, under strict supervision. The judge underscored the severity of the offenses, describing them as "grave, grave offences" that necessitated a custodial sentence, leaving no alternative for a lesser penalty.

Throughout the hearing, Edwards showed no visible emotion while in the dock, maintaining a stoic demeanor as the court proceedings unfolded. As part of his sentence, Edwards was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release. Additionally, he was barred from engaging in any accredited activities involving children and was subject to a restraining order to prevent contact with the victims or other minors.

The details of the crimes reveal disturbing patterns of abuse. Edwards raped one girl during a summer holiday, an incident in which he forcibly pinned her down while she was distressed. After the assault, he attempted to comfort her by using a quilt to wipe away her tears and reassuring her with the words, "you are alright, alright."

Another victim, a girl he assaulted when he was 14 years old, was pushed against a radiator and raped. The third victim, also a girl, was assaulted by Edwards during her teenage years; however, she managed to push him off and escape. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases, the identities of all victims have been protected, and they are granted lifelong anonymity to shield them from further harm or public exposure.

These heinous acts have left a lasting impact on the victims, and the court's decision reflects the seriousness with which such offenses are regarded in the justice system. Edwards’s sentencing aims to both punish his crimes and protect the community from potential future harm.