FERGUS GODFREY FROM BRIDGWATER SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN TAUNTON
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Bridgwater Child Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the community of Bridgwater, Fergus Godfrey, aged 63, was sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl. The conviction was handed down at Taunton Crown Court following a trial earlier this month, during which Godfrey was proven to have committed the heinous act.
Godfrey, a resident of Warwick Avenue in Bridgwater, faced the court with the gravity of his actions laid bare. The court heard how he deliberately chose to act on his perverted sexual instincts, leading to the victim's suffering. The judge, David Ticehurst, did not hold back in condemning Godfrey, emphasizing the betrayal involved in his actions.
Judge Ticehurst stated that by subjecting the young girl to a court trial and forcing her to give evidence against him, Godfrey inflicted additional trauma upon her. The judge expressed that this conduct caused the victim 'untold damage' and underscored the severity of the betrayal.
During the sentencing, the judge acknowledged the personal difficulties that Godfrey’s incarceration would cause his wife but made it clear that any harm that befalls her is solely his responsibility. The judge condemned Godfrey for choosing to act on his perverted impulses and for maintaining his innocence despite the evidence against him. This choice, the judge said, forced the young girl into a traumatic court ordeal.
The victim, in a statement read out in court, revealed her ongoing fears of Godfrey and disclosed that she had begun to self-harm as a way to cope with the trauma inflicted upon her. Her words highlighted the lasting impact of his actions.
In addition to the six-year sentence, Godfrey received a one-year extended license, reflecting the court’s view of the gravity of his crimes. The judge concluded his remarks by stating, 'The harm you have done is incalculable. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. You will bear this conviction until you die.'
As the sentence was announced, there were several outbursts from members of the public gallery. One woman was warned by court officials that she could be held in contempt if she could not control her emotions during the proceedings.
Godfrey, a resident of Warwick Avenue in Bridgwater, faced the court with the gravity of his actions laid bare. The court heard how he deliberately chose to act on his perverted sexual instincts, leading to the victim's suffering. The judge, David Ticehurst, did not hold back in condemning Godfrey, emphasizing the betrayal involved in his actions.
Judge Ticehurst stated that by subjecting the young girl to a court trial and forcing her to give evidence against him, Godfrey inflicted additional trauma upon her. The judge expressed that this conduct caused the victim 'untold damage' and underscored the severity of the betrayal.
During the sentencing, the judge acknowledged the personal difficulties that Godfrey’s incarceration would cause his wife but made it clear that any harm that befalls her is solely his responsibility. The judge condemned Godfrey for choosing to act on his perverted impulses and for maintaining his innocence despite the evidence against him. This choice, the judge said, forced the young girl into a traumatic court ordeal.
The victim, in a statement read out in court, revealed her ongoing fears of Godfrey and disclosed that she had begun to self-harm as a way to cope with the trauma inflicted upon her. Her words highlighted the lasting impact of his actions.
In addition to the six-year sentence, Godfrey received a one-year extended license, reflecting the court’s view of the gravity of his crimes. The judge concluded his remarks by stating, 'The harm you have done is incalculable. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself. You will bear this conviction until you die.'
As the sentence was announced, there were several outbursts from members of the public gallery. One woman was warned by court officials that she could be held in contempt if she could not control her emotions during the proceedings.