PAEDOPHILE IT WORKER WHO ABUSED GIRL, 13, JAILED
Andrew Godding engaged in sexual activity with a girl when she was only 13 years old after becoming friends with her mother.The misconduct began when he kissed her during a church visit, a court hearing at Douglas Courthouse was told.
Godding, aged 47, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with Deemster Sandeep Kainth describing him as both a narcissist and a pedophile.
"You were a paedophile that was hell-bent on having sex with a child irrespective of the repercussions for you, her, or anyone else, the judge stated.
"You knew damn well what you were doing." Additionally, Godding will serve a four-year extended licence following his release and will be listed on the sex offenders' register.
The court established that Godding, from Lancaster, was residing on the island during the period of abuse and had maintained a friendship with the girl’s mother for many years.
The assaults allegedly started in 2017, occurring frequently including at the girl’s home and continued until she reached 15.
When she sought to end contact, he reportedly threatened to harm himself, court records indicated.
The allegations became public after the victim disclosed the abuse to her father.
Following his arrest in September 2020, Godding denied all charges, claiming the girl had a crush on him and was jealous of his relationship with her mother.
He was convicted on eight counts in July, including two of indecent assault, three of gross indecency, and two of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor.
The victim provided a statement, expressing ongoing struggles with panic attacks and difficulty forming relationships, stating she had "lost my childhood and particularly my teenage years".
Defence counsel acknowledged the guilty pleas came "one minute to midnight", and stated that Godding had finally admitted to all the charges.
The judge also issued a sexual offences prevention order, restricting his internet use and contact with children.
