DONALD RIDLEY POOLE CYBERSTALKER AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHER SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Poole, Donald Ridley, a 37-year-old housing officer, has been sentenced to a total of seven and a half years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving cyberstalking, child pornography, and the abuse of a vulnerable young girl.

Ridley's criminal activities spanned over a period of six months, during which he subjected his 17-year-old neighbor to relentless online harassment. His malicious scheme involved placing her personal details and photographs on obscene websites, inviting perverts and sex offenders to abuse her. The young girl, who was suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, was bombarded with up to 30 depraved emails daily, many containing explicit and disturbing content.

According to court reports, Ridley’s actions extended beyond mere online harassment. Some of the offenders who responded to his invitations even appeared at her doorstep, expecting to engage in sexual acts of an unimaginable depravity. One particularly shocking incident involved a stranger sending her a sperm sample along with a note claiming it was for her to test. The girl’s terror escalated to the point where she felt compelled to flee her home in Poole, Dorset, along with her mother, and they are now living at a secret address for their safety.

Ridley’s twisted behavior was further exposed when police raided his Poole residence in December 1999. The investigation was prompted by a tip from another man who identified Ridley as a supplier of child pornography. During the raid, authorities discovered nearly 100 disturbing images depicting children as young as eight years old. They also uncovered messages Ridley had sent to his victim, along with references to various websites he had used to facilitate his malicious activities.

It was revealed that Ridley had used another person’s computer to hijack a website bearing the girl’s name, which he then used to publish her personal details and photographs, along with a host of obscene claims. Additionally, he posted defamatory allegations about her on a website where she reviewed computer games, further victimizing her. The girl, now 18, expressed her shock upon learning that Ridley was behind her torment, recalling that they had initially bonded over their shared interest in computer games and that he had even sent her a Valentine’s card two years prior, despite her making it clear they were just friends.

Throughout the trial, Ridley’s actions were condemned by Judge Samuel Wiggs, who described his offenses as “repulsive.” The judge emphasized that Ridley’s campaign was a calculated attack on an innocent girl who believed he was a friend. The court heard that Ridley took pleasure in her suffering, especially given her health issues, by setting up websites offering “unbelievably foul sexual services.”

Police officials commented on the case, stating, “Ridley is scary. He demonstrates the depths to which the human mind can sink.” The court’s verdict reflects the severity of his crimes, and Ridley was sentenced to six years for 25 internet-related offenses and an additional 18 months for possessing and distributing child pornography. His actions have left a lasting impact on his victim, who is currently receiving psychiatric support to cope with the trauma inflicted upon her.