RAYMOND DODD SHOCKS GUERNSEY WITH ILLEGAL SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Guernsey, Raymond Dodd, a 30-year-old man, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor. The case, which was heard in the Royal Court, revealed that Dodd had a prolonged and inappropriate relationship with a girl who was only 13 years old at the time it began.

According to court records, Dodd admitted to four counts of unlawful sexual conduct. The relationship reportedly started in November 2011, when the girl was just 13 years old. Despite the obvious age difference and the illegal nature of their relationship, Dodd and the girl engaged in sexual activity over a period of approximately one year. The court heard that the pair had a consensual relationship, with both parties aware that their actions were morally and legally wrong. However, the court emphasized that the girl was particularly vulnerable due to her age, and the circumstances surrounding their relationship were deeply concerning.

Prosecutor Rory Calderwood provided details indicating that Dodd was aware of the girl’s age. He noted that Dodd had wished her a happy birthday on her Facebook page when she turned 14, which suggests he was conscious of her age at that time. The girl herself recounted that she had sexual encounters with Dodd on 258 occasions, and she claimed to have consented to each of these encounters. Despite the use of protection, she became pregnant, leading her to seek assistance at a family planning clinic. Ultimately, she chose to terminate the pregnancy.

During the investigation, Dodd was found to have been remorseful, repeatedly apologizing for his actions. In an attempt to cover up his involvement, he even tried to persuade a friend of the girl’s age to claim that he was the father of the unborn child, offering him a video game as an incentive. This attempt was unsuccessful, and Dodd was subsequently arrested. When police officers searched his flat in St Andrew’s, they discovered notes in which Dodd had written reminders to delete messages from his phone and Facebook account, indicating an awareness of the illicit nature of his activities.

Defence lawyer Clare Tee argued that her client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, emphasizing that Dodd was not predatory but had demonstrated a significant lack of judgment. She pointed out that Dodd’s upbringing had not been ideal, which she suggested contributed to his poor decision-making.

Judge Russell Finch acknowledged the seriousness of the case, highlighting the girl’s vulnerability due to her age, the significant age gap, and the pregnancy as aggravating factors. While noting Dodd’s previous good character and the absence of coercion, the judge expressed concern about his immaturity. He stated, “This is not a case of two teenagers going too far. We take a serious view of this sordid matter.”

As part of his sentence, Dodd will be subject to a supervision order lasting one year and 51 weeks after his release from prison. The court’s decision underscores the gravity of the offense and the community’s need to protect minors from such exploitation.