Luke Ridley, 33, from Yateley, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison plus an extended licence period of five years at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday. He was convicted of multiple rape and sexual assault charges against a child under 13.
Victim's bravery in court
The victim, now aged 17, read her personal impact statement in court, directly addressing her abuser: “You made me a victim, but today I stand in front of you a survivor.”
She was 11 years old in January 2021 when she first told a family member that Ridley had raped her during the first coronavirus lockdown. She later disclosed that he had sexually assaulted her at least twice a week since she was five years old.
Investigation and sentencing
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Butterworth, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s courage. “She was only five years old when Ridley began targeting and manipulating her, before going on to repeatedly rape and sexually assault her,” he said. “Her bravery has ensured that Ridley has been brought to justice for his abhorrent crimes.”
Ridley, born December 19, 1992, was found guilty following a trial of the offences against the young girl.
