RICHARD WATSON OF BARNSTAPLE SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR REPEATED CHILD ABUSE AND ATTEMPTED RAPE IN NORTH DEVON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Barnstaple and the wider North Devon area, Richard Watson, aged 29, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a series of heinous sexual offenses spanning over a decade. The court heard that Watson, who once served in the army, had a long history of abusing a young girl, beginning when she was just between the ages of 11 and 15.

Watson's initial abuse occurred during his teenage years, a period marked by vulnerability for the young girl. After completing his service in the army and relocating from the area, Watson's path crossed again with his victim approximately 12 years later. This reunion took place after she had recently graduated from university and had returned to her hometown of North Devon. It was during this encounter that Watson's predatory behavior resurfaced in a more aggressive and threatening manner.

The court was informed that Watson had sent the woman threatening text messages demanding sexual favors. Subsequently, he visited her flat, where she was living at the time, and attempted to forcibly remove her trousers. During this confrontation, Watson explicitly stated his intention to force her into having sex with him once more. The incident escalated as he tried to rip off her clothing, with the court hearing that he threatened to rape her again.

The victim, in a desperate attempt to escape, screamed and tried to leave the room through the door. However, Watson blocked her path, preventing her from fleeing. When she attempted to escape through a window, he also obstructed her. The court described the scene as a terrifying ordeal, with Watson's actions clearly indicating an intent to commit a sexual assault.

Prosecutor Richard Crabb detailed that Watson's abusive behavior began when the girl was only eight or nine years old. The most recent incident occurred in December of the previous year, marking a disturbing continuation of his predatory conduct. Crabb explained that Watson initially asked her if she wanted to discuss the past, but when she refused, his messages turned aggressive and threatening. He then physically confronted her, grabbing her by the hair and attempting to pull her trousers down, an act she fought against fiercely, screaming for help.

Crabb emphasized that Watson ultimately ceased his assault, claiming it was a joke, but the victim had already contacted a friend and the police, fearing she was about to be raped. Her testimony and evidence led to Watson's conviction on multiple counts, including eight specimen counts of indecency, as well as charges of common assault and battery with intent to commit a sexual offense.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, condemned Watson's actions, stating, “You were well aware she did not consent when you first abused her and you threatened her to make sure she did not tell anyone. You saw her again last year when she returned to North Devon from university and you started to try to abuse her again. You sent her text messages threatening violence and then went to her bedroom and threatened to rape her. When she refused, you pulled her trousers down in an attempt to rape her.”

Judge Gilbert further described Watson's conduct as a grave breach of trust and a serious threat to the safety of the victim. He sentenced him to eight years in prison, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the need for justice for the victim and the community of Barnstaple and North Devon as a whole.