KILNHURST MAN MARTIN COLES SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR CAMPAIGN OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN KILNHURST AND SHEFFIELD

In a case that has spanned decades and shocked the local community, Martin Coles, a 54-year-old resident of Highthorn Road in Kilnhurst, has been sentenced to a significant prison term for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes, which took place over a period of more than six years, date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Coles was a teenager himself.

Coles was found guilty in February of five counts of rape and 18 counts of indecent assault. The court proceedings revealed that these offenses occurred between 1977 and 1983, a time when the victim was between the ages of 13 and 17. The severity and duration of the abuse prompted the court to consider the case as a prolonged campaign of sexual violence, characterized by elements of grooming and manipulation.

During the sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Rachael Harrison emphasized the gravity of Coles’ actions. She described the offenses as not only serious but also indicative of a deliberate pattern of abuse that spanned several years. The judge noted that the attacks were carefully planned and executed over a sustained period, which underscored the need for a custodial sentence.

Judge Harrison stated, “The offences are so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified,” and further added that Coles would serve a minimum of 17 years in prison. Additionally, upon his release, he will be subject to a one-year license period, during which he will be under supervision and subject to certain restrictions.

In her remarks, the judge highlighted the disturbing nature of the case, describing it as a “campaign of sexual abuse” that involved grooming and manipulation of a vulnerable young girl. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are viewed, especially when committed over an extended period and involving a breach of trust.

Coles’ conviction and sentencing mark a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to address and combat sexual abuse within communities, including Kilnhurst and the wider Sheffield area. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for justice in cases of prolonged abuse.