GLENN CODD FROM ROCHESTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE AT MAIDSTONE CROWN COURT

In a case that has shocked the community of Rochester, Glenn Codd, a 27-year-old orthopaedic technician, was sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted of the heinous crime of raping a six-year-old girl several years ago. The incident, which took place when Codd was a teenager, involved the victim being subjected to sexual assault under the false pretense of a game, a detail that the court found particularly disturbing.

During the trial at Maidstone Crown Court, the jury, by an 11-1 majority, found Codd guilty of both rape and indecent assault. Despite the verdict, Codd, who resides on Copperfield Road in Rochester, continues to maintain his innocence, denying all allegations. The court heard that Codd’s abuse of the young girl was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of predatory behavior that exploited her vulnerability.

The victim, in a police interview, recounted her traumatic experience, stating, “He was trying to make a game out of it. He kept saying waggle was the game. I can see him saying ‘Waggle – x marks the spot’.” She revealed that she confided in her mother about what had happened some years ago but was too embarrassed and scared to involve the police at that time. It was only in 2013, when she felt ready to seek justice, that she finally reported the abuse.

Following her report, Codd was arrested in November of the previous year. He vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that nothing of that nature had occurred. His defense lawyer, Deborah Champion, highlighted Codd’s family situation, mentioning that he has a young son and another child on the way. She described him as a man of good character, hardworking, and a dedicated family man. Champion expressed concern that the conviction would severely impact his life, stating, “He has built a life for himself and his family, and he is likely to lose much of what he has worked for over the years. He will not be able to return to work in the medical sector, and his home may be at risk due to loss of income.”

Despite his claims of innocence, the judge, David Griffith-Jones QC, emphasized the gravity of the offenses. He pointed out that Codd’s upbringing, which was somewhat harsh, may have contributed to his early sexual awareness, but ultimately, he exploited the girl’s immaturity and naivety. The judge stated, “The offenses reveal you were somewhat precocious and because of your upbringing, which was somewhat harsh, you may have been more advanced about the ways of the world, in particular sexual matters, than your chronological age might have suggested. The fact is you took advantage of her immaturity and naivete. You preyed upon her sensibilities and used your position of power.”

As a result of his conviction, Codd’s name will be added to the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. After the sentencing, Detective Constable Ally Smith, who led the investigation, expressed her thoughts: “Codd took advantage of a young child’s innocence in order to satisfy his own perverse sexual needs. This one incident has adversely affected the course of her entire life, and she has had to adapt to deal with the trauma. I would like to pay tribute to the courage and fortitude she has shown in assisting us with this prosecution.”