ROBERT CODLING SENTENCED FOR SHOCKING CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE
A man from Cambridgeshire who committed heinous acts of child sexual abuse over a period of more than ten years has been sentenced to prison.Robert Codling, age 58, residing on Princes Road in Wisbech, was convicted of several serious charges related to his abuse of young girls, with the court hearing harrowing details of his crimes.
It was revealed during the trial that the abuse occurred at a residence in Wisbech, where Codling targeted victims over a span of twelve years.
Throughout this period, he engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior in front of the children, including performing sexual acts on himself in their presence.
Additionally, he subjected the young girls to direct sexual contact, under the guise of what he called “playfighting,” a term he used to dismiss the severity of his actions.
The victims’ suffering was compounded by the long duration of the abuse, until eventually one girl, suffering in silence, confided in someone she trusted.
This disclosure prompted a police investigation, leading to charges against Codling.
Throughout the proceedings, he denied the allegations made against him.
On Thursday, February 9, at Cambridge Crown Court, justice was served as Codling was found guilty on six counts.
These included the assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching, engaging in sexual acts in the presence of a child, and exposure.
The court sentenced him to a total of eight years and two months behind bars for his crimes.
DC Melanie Bull commented on the sentencing, stating, “No sentence will ever erase what happened to the victims, but I hope they will be able to find some closure from this traumatic period in their young lives.
Tackling child abuse is a priority for us and we are working hard every day to bring offenders like Codling to justice.” Authorities also remind the public of resources such as Sarah’s Law, which allows individuals to apply for disclosure information if they suspect someone may have been convicted of a sex offence and could be a risk to children.
Those concerned about the safety of a child – including parents, caregivers, guardians, extended family, friends, and neighbors – are encouraged to make inquiries to help protect potential victims and ensure community safety.
