ROBERT CRADDOCK'S HORRIFIC ABUSE IN BROMYARD: A CHILD'S NIGHTMARE UNVEILED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bromyard, Robert John Craddock, aged 47, was convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual and physical abuse of a young girl over a span of several years. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of cruelty and violence that began when the victim was just seven years old, marking a dark chapter in the town's recent history.

Craddock, who resided in Bromyard near a primary school, was found guilty of 12 serious offences, including attempted rape, indecent assault, sexual activity with a minor under 13, child cruelty, and assault. The court heard that the abuse started in 2000 and persisted for nearly a decade, with the young girl enduring repeated assaults that escalated in severity over time.

Details of the case painted a grim picture of the victim’s suffering. It was disclosed that Craddock began his abuse when the girl was only seven years old. Over the following years, the assaults became more violent and aggressive. In one particularly brutal incident, Craddock punched the girl in the jaw after she refused to engage in sexual contact. On another occasion, he attempted to strangle her using her own hooded top, demonstrating a disturbing level of violence and control.

The court was also told that Craddock demanded oral sex from the young girl, subjected her to molestation, and carried out violent sexual attacks, including an attempted rape. These acts of abuse continued until the victim finally found the courage to speak out against her abuser, bringing an end to the torment.

At the time of his crimes, Craddock was employed at his father’s shop in Bromyard, where he fixed washing machines and assisted with furniture deliveries to customers’ homes. His position in the community was thus tainted by the severity of his actions.

Following his conviction, the judge sentenced Craddock to eleven years in prison, with a deduction for time already spent on remand. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the public from further harm.

Craddock’s case remains a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in communities, especially near places where children are present. The community of Bromyard continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic case, seeking justice and healing for the young girl who endured so much at the hands of someone she once trusted.