OLIVER GODDARD'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN YORKSHIRE: TEENAGE VICTIM'S TRAUMA UNVEILED
A disturbing sexual assault took place on a beach in Yorkshire, where Oliver Goddard, aged 21, was found guilty of attempting to rape a teenage girl during a terrifying encounter.The incident occurred on Redcar beach, a popular seaside location in Teesside, where Goddard, then 19 years old, clandestinely hid among the tall grass to carry out his assault.
According to court proceedings, the victim, a vulnerable teenager, was initially approached by Goddard during a walk along the beach.
They had discussed her struggles with a stressful period in her life, and they agreed to meet again the following day.
On that day, they strolled along the shoreline until they settled in a secluded area surrounded by dense grass.
As they sat together, Goddard began to exhibit increasingly inappropriate behavior.
He kept moving her legs across his body, and when she attempted to shift away, he grew angry and forced her to stay in place.
The court heard that he started kissing her neck, despite her efforts to distance herself.
Judge Paul Reid described how Goddard placed his hand behind her neck, preventing her from pulling away, and the assault escalated to the point where he pushed her down, with his hands around her neck, causing her head to rest on the ground.
Throughout the ordeal, the girl was terrified and felt helpless.
Judge Reid emphasized the disparity in size and age, noting that Goddard was significantly larger and older than his victim.
The situation was abruptly interrupted when her phone rang—she recognized it as her father's call—and Goddard was startled by the noise.
Seizing the opportunity, the girl managed to break free and fled the scene.
Goddard, of Durham Road, Redcar, was subsequently convicted by a jury on charges of attempted rape, sexual assault, and engaging in sexual communication with a child.
The court was told that he had initially claimed the sexual activity was consensual, asserting that he believed the girl was 16 years old.
However, he later admitted to police that he thought she was younger, claiming he was 'forced' to say otherwise.
In a victim impact statement read aloud by prosecutor Robin Turton, the girl described the lasting effects of the assault.
She revealed that she has struggled with insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks, nearly three years after the incident.
She recounted her ongoing battle with depression, her difficulty returning to school, and her inability to visit the beach without experiencing flashbacks.
She also disclosed that she turned to self-harm and now requires medication for her mental health issues.
Defense attorney Robert Mochrie highlighted that this was Goddard’s first encounter with the criminal justice system and mentioned that he suffers from emotionally unstable personality disorder.
Despite this, the court noted a significant age difference between the offender and the victim, and a pre-sentence report indicated that Goddard was in denial and lacked empathy for his victim.
The report also revealed that Goddard had sent nude pictures of himself to the girl and had threatened to kill himself if she disclosed the assault.
Following the conviction, Judge Reid sentenced Goddard to an extended prison term of seven years, with an additional three years on license.
The court also imposed an indefinite restraining order and required him to register as a sex offender.
It was stipulated that Goddard must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Investigating officer Catherine McKenzie praised the victim’s bravery and emphasized the importance of reporting sexual offenses, assuring victims that they will be believed and supported throughout the process.
Goddard’s actions have resulted in a lengthy incarceration, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court’s commitment to protecting the public from future harm.
