GRAEME COX FROM RICKMANSWORTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN DERBYSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local communities and highlighted the dangers lurking online, Graeme Cox, a 39-year-old man from Barton Way, Rickmansworth, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the exploitation of young girls. Cox’s criminal activities spanned several years and involved a disturbing pattern of online grooming, physical assault, and the distribution of indecent images of children.

The charges against Cox were extensive. He pleaded guilty to 32 counts of child abuse at St Albans Crown Court, which included three counts of rape. His crimes were not limited to online misconduct; he also admitted to making, distributing, and possessing indecent images of children, along with other related offenses involving a third girl. The severity of his actions was underscored by the evidence presented during the trial, which revealed a calculated and predatory approach to exploiting vulnerable minors.

The investigation into Cox’s activities was triggered when he boasted about his crimes in an internet chat room. During this online exchange, he even sent photographic evidence of his abuse to another user, who subsequently contacted the police. This tip-off led authorities to conduct a thorough raid on Cox’s residence, where they uncovered nearly 1,000 videos depicting depraved and sordid acts of abuse. Judge Michael Baker QC described the collection as “disgusting,” emphasizing the disturbing nature of the material.

Further evidence linked Cox directly to his victims, who, for legal reasons, cannot be named. The young girls were subjected to threats, coercion, and even bribery to ensure their compliance. Investigations revealed that Cox had met these girls near their homes in Derbyshire and Lancashire, often after luring them with promises or gifts. One of the victims, a 12-year-old girl, was bought mobile phone credit by Cox, which he used as leverage to persuade her to meet him.

On one occasion, Cox picked her up from a supermarket car park and drove her to a derelict garage, where he coerced her into performing a sexual act, which he recorded on his mobile phone. The same girl was later threatened with the involvement of three men who Cox claimed would visit her home if she refused to meet him again. During their second encounter, she was raped in the back of Cox’s green Jaguar. Throughout the proceedings, Cox remained largely emotionless as his sentence was read, showing little remorse for his actions.

Judge Baker sentenced Cox to a total of 14 years in prison, emphasizing the serious risk he posed to young girls. The judge stated, “You ensnared these girls using a mixture of bribery, threats, and flattery. You sunk deep into the mire of compulsive sexual perversion.” Cox is expected to serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Following the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Paul Doran commented on the case, describing Cox as “a dangerous and prolific offender who took advantage of his vulnerable victims in the most cynical way.” He added, “He ruthlessly groomed his victims for his own purposes with no regard to the impact of his actions.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing fight against online and offline child exploitation.