RAY SADLER BEXLEYHEATH PAEDOPHILE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER DECADES OF ABUSE IN BEXLEYHEATH

In a case that has spanned several decades, Ray Sadler, an 86-year-old resident of Percy Road in Bexleyheath, has been convicted of multiple counts of sexual abuse involving two young girls. Despite the gravity of his crimes, Sadler was not sentenced to immediate imprisonment but received a suspended jail term that allows him to avoid incarceration under specific conditions.

Sadler pleaded guilty to a total of 10 counts of indecent assault, which were committed against two girls who were under the age of 16 at the time of the abuse. The incidents took place primarily within his own home during the 1970s and 1980s, a period during which the victims ranged in age from just eight years old to 15. The abuse was not confined to his residence; Sadler also took the victims to a nearby park, where further sexual assaults occurred, compounding the severity of his misconduct.

The investigation into Sadler’s actions was initiated after a woman, now aged 48, came forward in January 2017, revealing that she had been abused by Sadler during her childhood. Her disclosure prompted authorities to look into the allegations, leading to the identification of a second victim, also aged 48, who had suffered similar abuse at Sadler’s hands.

Following the revelations, Sadler voluntarily participated in police interviews. He was questioned in February 2017 and again in July 2018, during which he admitted to the charges. His case was brought before Woolwich Crown Court, where he was sentenced to 18 months in prison. However, the sentence was suspended for 20 months, meaning Sadler will not serve time unless he breaches certain conditions.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Sadler was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of 10 years, a measure intended to monitor his activities and prevent further offenses. The court’s decision reflects the complex considerations involved in sentencing, especially given Sadler’s age and the long duration of his offending. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts to bring historical abuse cases to light, even many years after the crimes occurred.