IAN COFFIN SENTENCED IN DORCHESTER FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO TEEN GIRLS

In December 2005, Ian Coffin, a man from Dorchester, was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of multiple serious charges related to the sexual abuse of two young girls. The court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the case, which prompted the judge to impose a lengthy custodial sentence to safeguard other potential victims in the future.

At Dorchester Crown Court, Judge John Beashel addressed the court, highlighting the severity of Coffin’s actions. The defendant, aged 29 at the time, had engaged in sexual activities with two girls, both of whom were only 13 years old when their relationships with him began. One of these girls was from a children’s home, adding an extra layer of vulnerability to her situation. The court heard that Coffin’s misconduct included not only sexual contact but also inciting the girls to engage in sexual acts and even abducting one of them.

During the hearing, it was disclosed that one of the girls had attempted to harm herself by slashing her wrists with knives and razors during her relationship with Coffin. The other girl was found to have a pregnancy testing kit concealed in her school blazer pocket, indicating the disturbing nature of their interactions. The court was told that both girls had met Coffin when they were just 13 years old and that their relationships with him developed rapidly thereafter.

Coffin, who resided on St George’s Road in Dorchester, pleaded guilty to six charges of sexual activity with a child, six charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and five charges of abducting a child. The prosecution, led by Brendon Moorhouse, painted a picture of a man who exploited the girls’ vulnerabilities. The first girl, in particular, was described as being easily influenced and excited by the prospect of meeting Coffin regularly. Her mother had attempted to intervene and prevent the relationship, but her efforts were thwarted when she discovered the pregnancy testing kit in her daughter’s blazer and confronted Coffin.

Following this discovery, the girl’s mental health deteriorated, and she began self-harming as a way to cope with the emotional trauma. The second girl was characterized as having a troubled background, including issues with drug and alcohol abuse and inappropriate online activity, which further complicated her vulnerability.

In his defense, Matthew Scott argued that Coffin had not used force or threats to coerce the girls, nor had he manipulated them in any illegal manner. Despite this, Judge Beashel was unequivocal in his condemnation, stating that Coffin had deliberately and cynically exploited the girls’ trust and innocence. The judge emphasized that the fact the girls had pursued him did not justify his actions.

As a result of his convictions, Coffin was sentenced to six years in prison for the sexual activity charges and an additional three years for the abduction charges, with the sentences to run concurrently. The court also imposed strict restrictions on Coffin’s future conduct, including a ban from working with children, being in the company of anyone under 16, approaching or loitering near schools, and contacting minors via phone or computer. Furthermore, Coffin was ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm.