RICHARD BUCKLEY JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS IN HUCKNALL AND SANDIACRE

In August 2022, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Richard Buckley, a man with no fixed address, who targeted young girls in the towns of Hucknall and Sandiacre. The heinous acts committed by Buckley, aged 48 at the time, have left a lasting impact on the victims and their families, prompting a serious legal response from the justice system.

According to court records, Buckley pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and to forcing one of the young girls to watch a pornographic video. The incidents occurred in separate locations within the Nottinghamshire area, specifically in Hucknall and Sandiacre, where Buckley’s predatory behavior was carried out against vulnerable children.

The case was heard at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday, August 3. The judge, Nigel Godsmark QC, sentenced Buckley to a term of five years and three months in prison. Additionally, Buckley was ordered to remain on the sex offenders' register and under a sexual harm prevention order. The court also extended his license period by four years, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses.

Details of the offenses reveal a pattern of repeated sexual abuse against a ten-year-old girl. Buckley was found to have touched her on her bottom and removed her lower clothing during the attack. The young girl bravely fought him off, kicking and telling him to stop, which temporarily thwarted his assault. However, Buckley fled the scene, only to continue his misconduct by showing her a pornographic video. The girl described Buckley as “acting weird,” noting that he told her “how beautiful she was” and removed her underwear, actions that have caused her significant distress.

Her mother expressed her anguish in a statement, saying, “As a parent I am distraught he abused my daughter.” The trauma inflicted on the girl is compounded by the fact that Buckley’s actions were not isolated. The second victim, also a young girl, was subjected to inappropriate touching when Buckley stroked her thigh under a table and touched her bottom. This girl confided in her mother after watching a video about child abuse at school, revealing the disturbing details of Buckley’s misconduct.

It is important to note that these offenses occurred while Buckley was already under scrutiny for previous allegations. In 2018, he was awaiting trial for similar charges involving sexual assault on girls under the age of 13. He was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to five years in custody. The recent crimes demonstrate a troubling pattern of behavior and a continued risk to young girls.

Judge Nigel Godsmark QC emphasized the gravity of Buckley’s actions, stating, “These offences took place whilst you were awaiting trial for what essentially were similar matters. These offences were against pre-pubescent girls, and the fact you committed them in the past is sufficient to indicate to me that you are a danger to such young girls.” The pre-sentence report further confirmed the high risk of re-offending, underscoring the need for strict supervision and containment measures to protect the community from further harm.