WAYNE REDMAN, EX-SOLDIER FROM EATON SOCON, JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN HUNTINGDONSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Eaton Socon and the wider Huntingdonshire area, Wayne Redman, a former soldier, has been sentenced to three years in prison for serious sexual offenses involving a young girl aged just 12 years old. The incident, which unfolded over a period of time, involved disturbing online communications and physical misconduct that have now led to his conviction.

Redman, aged 34, of Beauchamp Close in Eaton Socon, appeared before Peterborough Crown Court on Tuesday, April 30, where he pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and two counts of grooming. His guilty plea came after a thorough investigation into the messages and interactions he had with the young girl, which were uncovered by her mother. The mother discovered the inappropriate and disturbing Facebook conversations, revealing a pattern of grooming and sexual advances that spanned several months.

What makes this case particularly troubling is that Redman’s online communication with the girl persisted even while he was serving overseas in Afghanistan. During his deployment, he continued to send her thousands of messages, expressing his desire to pursue a relationship and even making disturbing statements about wanting to impregnate her. The messages included explicit language and inappropriate comments, which were uncovered during the investigation.

One of the most alarming aspects of the case was Redman’s physical misconduct. During a shared viewing of a film, he groped the girl under her shirt, further demonstrating his predatory behavior. His actions and messages painted a clear picture of grooming and exploitation, which led to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.

The crimes came to light in December of the previous year when the girl’s mother stumbled upon the incriminating messages. In these messages, Redman expressed his love for the girl, threatened to take his own life if he lost her, and explicitly stated his desire to make her pregnant. These revelations caused widespread concern and outrage within the community, prompting a police investigation that confirmed the allegations.

Redman’s background as a bomb disposal officer, with tours in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland, added a layer of complexity to the case. Despite his military service, his actions have been deemed a grave breach of trust and conduct. He was discharged from the Army on April 19, just an hour before the original sentencing hearing, which was subsequently adjourned to allow for further proceedings.

In addition to his prison sentence, Redman was ordered to comply with a sex offender’s prevention order, which restricts his activities and contact with minors. He is also required to register as a sex offender and is banned from working with children in any capacity. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120 as part of his sentencing.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance by parents and guardians to protect vulnerable children from predators, regardless of their background or profession.