CRAIG BRADFORD FROM PADDOCK WOOD AND WADHURST SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL GROOMING OF TEENAGE GIRL IN MAIDSTONE

In October 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Craig Bradford, a man with connections to Paddock Wood and Wadhurst, who was found guilty of grooming a teenage girl for sexual activity. The victim, a 14-year-old girl whose identity remains protected by law, was targeted by Bradford, whom her family had considered a friend for over two years. The emotional trauma inflicted upon her was profound, leading to a decline in her mental health, especially after she ceased taking her prescribed medication. Her condition worsened to the point of hospitalization, highlighting the severe impact of Bradford’s actions.

Craig Bradford, aged 26 at the time and a father of three, was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a minor. Originally from Paddock Wood and more recently residing on Styles Way in Wadhurst, Bradford’s criminal conduct was brought to light during proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court.

The court heard that Bradford’s relationship with the victim’s family was initially friendly. The family had known Bradford for some time and had even invited him to a family barbecue. During this gathering, Bradford engaged in conversations with the host’s daughter and offered to assist the family with household chores, which helped him gain their trust. Over the following month, Bradford made multiple visits to the family’s home, often helping with odd jobs and seemingly ingratiating himself further.

However, during this period, the victim’s parents began to notice subtle changes in their daughter’s behavior. They observed her exchanging meaningful looks with Bradford and noticed her becoming more withdrawn. She also started offering to take the family dog out on long walks, a change in her usual routine. It was during this time that Bradford had met the girl at her home, at his residence, and in public places, where he had kissed her. Additionally, he bought her a Pandora ring, an act that her parents later recognized as inappropriate.

The court was informed that Bradford had sent the girl inappropriate messages via Facebook, frequently suggesting they meet up and encouraging her to make excuses to her parents for her absences. On one occasion, he even encouraged her to “have a drink” and discussed the possibility of them being together after she turned 16, including the idea of having children together. Bradford also expressed regret that she was not older and urged her to keep their relationship secret, warning her that others might think it was “weird.”

When the victim’s parents confronted Bradford about these messages, he responded with defiance, stating, “I’ll do whatever the f*** I like.” The emotional toll on the girl was significant; she described in a personal statement read aloud in court how she had “cried at night” and felt so low that she “didn’t care about anything or anyone.” The incident had a serious impact on her education and her relationship with her family, necessitating counseling sessions to help her cope.

In addition to his six-month prison sentence, Bradford was subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. This order prohibits him from approaching or attending the victim’s address, and it also forbids him from speaking to or living with children under 16 unless under specific circumstances or with official permission. The court’s decision underscores the severity of Bradford’s misconduct and the ongoing risks associated with his actions.