RICHARD HADDESTEY AND SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WEYMOUTH
A former educator from Weymouth has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of serious child sexual offences.Dr.
Richard John Haddlesey, aged 52, whose residence was listed as Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, December 8, to hear his sentencing.
The court proceedings revealed that Haddlesey had engaged in prolonged sexual abuse involving a young girl.
The allegations detailed that Haddlesey had touched the girl’s genitals on multiple occasions over several years.
The victim disclosed that the initial incident occurred when she was in year four, at an address in Weymouth.
Further testimonies confirmed that these abusive acts continued over an extended period, causing significant emotional and psychological trauma to the young girl.
During the court session, the survivor delivered a powerful impact statement.
She expressed feelings of ongoing shame, anger, and self-hatred, yet emphasized that Haddlesey had not defeated her.
In her words, she stated, "You have not won because I continue to speak.
I could go on for days telling you about how your behaviour has changed me as a person but that would be a waste of my time because you don't care." The victim also addressed the notion of forgiveness, telling the court, "People say that you should forgive people who hurt you so I forgive you but can you forgive yourself?
You have not won, you do not have power anymore, I have the power.
Day after day I feel stronger and what you did will not define me as a person." Judge Stephen Climie acknowledged the extraordinary courage demonstrated by the victim in giving evidence, especially considering Haddlesey’s persistent denial of the allegations.
The judge explained that the survivor revealed during police interviews that she had struggled to disclose her abuse at the time it occurred.
She recounted that at age 12, she saw Haddlesey at her school, became overwhelmed with emotion, and burst into tears.
This encounter was poignant because Haddlesey was applying for a position at her school and was being shown around.
In his mitigation remarks, Haddlesey was described as generally of good character but suffering from anxiety.
Court proceedings reportedly took a toll on him, and the judge noted the impact the case had on his well-being.
The criminal acts for which Haddlesey was convicted spanned from April 17, 2013, to April 10, 2015.
After a trial held in November, jurors deliberated for nearly seven hours before reaching majority verdicts on three charges: two counts of assault by touching a girl under the age of 13 and one count of inciting or causing a girl under 13 to perform sexual activity.
Throughout his professional career, Haddlesey worked as a supply teacher at various schools across Dorset, cementing his presence within the local educational community in Weymouth.
Sentencing, Judge Climie imposed an eight-year imprisonment upon Haddlesey, with the understanding that he would serve two-thirds of this term behind bars.
Additionally, Haddlesey was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect future victims and prevent any further contact.
This case underscores the grave consequences of abuse, particularly involving individuals in positions of trust and responsibility within the Weymouth community.
