ANDREW GODDING SENTENCED IN DOUGLAS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE ON THE ISLE OF MAN

In a case that has shocked the community of Douglas on the Isle of Man, Andrew Godding, a man employed in the information technology sector, has been handed a significant prison sentence of 12 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the abuse that spanned over two and a half years, beginning when the girl was only 13 years old.

According to court records, Godding, who resides in Lancaster, initially established a relationship with the girl’s mother, which eventually led to him becoming close to her. The abuse started shortly after an incident at a church service, where Godding kissed the young girl, an act that marked the beginning of a prolonged period of exploitation. Over the course of the next two and a half years, the abuse continued relentlessly, occurring at various times and locations, including within the girl’s own home. The victim, now an adult, described how the trauma has left lasting scars, affecting her mental health and her ability to forge healthy relationships.

During the trial, Godding vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the girl had a 'crush' on him and was jealous of his relationship with her mother. Despite his denials, the evidence presented in court led to his conviction on eight counts, which included two charges of indecent assault, three counts of gross indecency, and two counts of engaging in sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16. The judge overseeing the case did not hold back in condemning Godding’s character, describing him as a 'narcissist and a paedophile.' The judge emphasized that Godding was 'hell-bent on having sex with a child irrespective of the repercussions for you, her, or anyone else,' making it clear that he was fully aware of the gravity of his actions.

As part of his sentence, Godding was ordered to register as a sex offender and will be subjected to a four-year extended license period following his release from prison. The victim, who bravely provided a statement during the court proceedings, shared how the abuse has profoundly impacted her life. She revealed that she now suffers from panic attacks and struggles to develop normal relationships, expressing that she has 'lost my childhood and particularly my teenage years.'

The court also heard that Godding, who was living on the Isle of Man at the time of the offenses, had maintained a long-standing friendship with the girl’s mother. The abuse was only uncovered after the girl confided in her father, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to Godding’s arrest and conviction. This case highlights the devastating effects of child abuse and the importance of vigilance within communities to protect vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.