RICHARD RYDER FROM LYDNEY SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Lydney, Richard Ryder, a 68-year-old shopkeeper residing in Wynols Close, Broadwell, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl on three separate occasions within his store. The incident took place at Ryder's shop, known as Number Nine, where the young victim, aged between nine and ten at the time, was subjected to inappropriate conduct during her visits on Saturday mornings between November 2015 and October 2016.

Jurors at Gloucester Crown Court deliberated extensively before reaching a verdict. Ryder was convicted of three counts of sexual assault but was acquitted of three other charges that alleged multiple assaults, which would have indicated a pattern of behavior rather than isolated incidents. The court heard that Ryder had denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the girl’s allegations were fabricated.

During the sentencing, Judge Ian Lawrie QC expressed his disapproval of Ryder’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of the offense given his age. He stated, “It is alarming for this court that at 68-years of age you chose to indulge in this type of sexual behaviour. This was a gross betrayal of your responsibility to her in your shop. She is a troubled youngster with a number of matters in her life which clearly cause her problems and difficulties, although they are not of her making and you would not have been aware of them.”

The court was also informed that Ryder claimed the girl had fabricated the allegations after he accused her of stealing from his cash register. The young girl, however, confided in a pastoral officer at her school, writing down her distressing experience with the words, “He touches me up,” which served as a crucial piece of evidence in the case.

Following his conviction, Ryder was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor and prevent any further offenses. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Lydney, raising concerns about safety and the vulnerability of young children in local establishments.