RICHARD GRIFFITHS FROM TEIGNMOUTH JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN TORBAY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Richard Griffiths, a resident of Teignmouth, has been sentenced to prison for the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl. The incident occurred during a visit to a house in Torbay, where Griffiths committed the heinous act against the young victim.

Griffiths, aged 37 at the time, faced charges of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13. He initially denied the allegations, but after a trial held in December at Exeter Crown Court, the jury found him guilty of the charges. The court subsequently sentenced him to a term of two years and nine months in prison.

The case was further compounded by a victim personal statement read out by the child's mother. She expressed the profound impact the assault has had on her daughter’s mental health and well-being. She described how the trauma has caused her family significant distress, noting that her daughter now suffers from sleep disturbances and exhibits signs of distrust towards men. The mother also highlighted her child's increased emotional volatility, including frequent outbursts of anger, and lamented the loss of innocence, stating, “My daughter’s childhood has been stolen, and her memories tarnished.”

The assault is believed to have taken place in 2019. Prosecutor Ms. Bathsheba Cassel revealed that Griffiths had been drinking the night before the incident. During the attack, he twice placed his hands inside the child's clothing to touch her inappropriately. The arrest followed after the young girl confided in her parents about what had happened.

It was also disclosed that Griffiths has a criminal history, including previous convictions for cannabis cultivation. At the time of the assault, he was under a suspended sentence, which added to the severity of his sentencing.

During the trial, Judge Peter Johnson observed Griffiths’s behavior, noting that he appeared to shake his head when evidence was presented. The judge emphasized the psychological damage inflicted upon the young victim, underscoring the gravity of the offense.

As part of his sentence, Griffiths was placed under a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his access to children. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender. The court determined that Griffiths will serve half of his sentence in custody, with the remainder to be served on license, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions to prevent further harm.