RAYMOND CRISP FROM WOKING SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ABUSE IN GUILDFORD

In a case that spanned over three decades, Raymond Crisp, a man from Woking, was convicted of sexually abusing a young girl during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The incident involved a minor who was under the age of 15 at the time of the abuse, highlighting a disturbing breach of trust and exploitation.

On Wednesday, July 13, at Guildford Crown Court, Crisp, aged 65 and residing on St Michael’s Road in Woking, was sentenced to a term of five years and three months in prison. The court's decision followed a trial in which Crisp faced multiple charges, including two counts of attempted rape and one count of indecent assault. Despite his initial denial of these charges, a jury found him guilty on all counts after deliberation.

Prior to the trial, Crisp had entered a guilty plea to two allegations of indecent assault involving the same young girl. The prosecution, led by Amanda Hamilton, detailed the nature of the abuse, revealing that the crimes took place during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The victim, who was under 15 at the time, endured significant trauma, with the court hearing that Crisp's actions caused her considerable pain, leading him to cease his attempts at sexual contact.

During sentencing, Recorder Jeremy Benson emphasized the severity of Crisp’s actions, describing the offences as a blatant breach of trust. He pointed out that Crisp exploited the vulnerability of the young girl, touching her genitals both over and under her clothing, and attempting to engage in intercourse. The judge remarked that if these offences had occurred after 2003, the sentence would have been substantially longer, reflecting the stricter sentencing guidelines for such crimes in more recent years.

However, the court acknowledged the significant passage of time since the offences and the legal framework applicable at the time they were committed. As part of his sentence, Crisp was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the public from potential harm. The case underscores the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice, even when crimes are committed many years in the past.