KEVIN RIDLER'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN GLOUCESTER: DECADES-LONG ABUSE REVEALED

A man named Kevin Ridler, aged 44, has been sentenced to prison for heinous sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl nearly 20 years ago in Gloucester. The disturbing case came to light after the victim, now an adult, reported the abuse to authorities, leading to a detailed investigation by Gloucestershire Police's Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Team (RASSO).

Ridler, who resides in Twigworth, initially denied all charges, which included two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of rape. However, following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court, the jury found him guilty on February 7. The court proceedings revealed that the abuse had begun when the victim was under 16 years old, and Ridler was in his twenties.

The investigation was triggered by the victim’s decision to come forward in 2021, after years of silence. It was established that Ridler had befriended the girl at a local community centre, a place she frequented regularly. During their interactions, Ridler, then in his 20s, engaged in grooming behaviors, which included playing pool with her, exchanging phone numbers, and initiating ongoing communication through text messages.

Over time, Ridler’s relationship with the girl escalated into sexual abuse. The court heard that he would kiss her, touch her, and digitally penetrate her. The most severe incident involved Ridler raping the girl anally in an underpass, a traumatic event that marked a dark chapter in her life. These offenses remained undisclosed for many years, only being reported to police after more than 15 years had passed.

Once the allegations were made, Gloucestershire Police’s RASSO team launched a comprehensive investigation. Ridler was subsequently charged with the crimes, but he maintained his innocence throughout the process. Despite his protests, the jury convicted him, and he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison on March 26 at Gloucester Crown Court. Additionally, Ridler has been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and was issued a restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim delivered a powerful statement, expressing her emotional turmoil and relief at the guilty verdicts. She revealed that she cried deeply when she learned of Ridler’s conviction, feeling validated in her suffering. Her statement detailed how the abuse had devastated her life, stripping away her innocence and hindering her development. She described how Ridler’s actions robbed her of normal teenage experiences, such as first kisses and forming healthy relationships, and how the trauma has persisted into her adulthood.

She shared her ongoing struggles with mental health, including diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, for which she has received medication and therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. Her words underscored her resilience and her desire to speak out for others who might be suffering in silence. She emphasized her hope that her story would serve as a warning to her son and others about the importance of understanding right from wrong and the consequences of harmful actions.

His Honour Judge Lawrie KC addressed Ridler directly before sentencing, stating, “Your past misdeeds are catching up with you. The victim was in her teens. You had knowledge of her at [location] and you took an opportunity, which was to seduce and indulge in sexual contact with her. That was part of your immaturity and lack of knowledge of the world, but also you need to appreciate the harm your actions caused – a harm that is enduring. An enduring harm for you too that will mark the rest of your life.”

Following the sentencing, the case was referred to the Attorney General’s Office under the Unduly Lenient Sentencing scheme. However, this review did not result in any change to Ridler’s sentence. The judge considered Ridler’s immaturity at the time of the offenses and the impact of the lengthy trial on his mental health as mitigating factors.

In a heartfelt statement read by the victim, she described how the abuse has affected her life. She said, “Kevin Ridler ruined my life. He took away any opportunity I had to have a normal life, hit normal milestones, enjoy new relationships, work hard as a teenager, and excel in adulthood. Nothing about what he did to me was normal. He took away my innocence and forced me into the adult world at such a young age, which affected my development in more ways than merely healthy relationships.”

She also shared her ongoing journey of recovery, including therapy and medication, and her feelings of anger and confusion over Ridler’s lack of remorse. Her words conveyed her strength and her hope that her story would inspire others to come forward and seek justice. She expressed her desire for her son to understand that actions have consequences and that such behavior is never acceptable.

Detective Constable Victoria Bygrave from the RASSO team highlighted the significance of the case, emphasizing that Ridler’s crimes, committed nearly two decades ago, had a profound and lasting impact on the victim. She praised her bravery in reporting the abuse and supporting the investigation, despite the long delay. The officer reaffirmed the police’s commitment to pursuing justice regardless of how much time has passed, ensuring victims are supported and their voices heard.

Laura Opie from the South West Crown Prosecution Service’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit also commended the victim’s courage. She stressed that the victim was groomed and targeted at a young age, and her willingness to speak out has been instrumental in securing justice. Opie reaffirmed the CPS’s dedication to supporting victims of sexual assault and encouraging others to report abuse, regardless of the elapsed time since the incident.