MARTYN COLES FROM MILVERTON SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR SEX CRIMES AGAINST SIX GIRLS

In July 2009, the small village of Milverton was shaken by the sentencing of local resident Martyn Coles, aged 55, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses involving six underage girls. Coles, residing at Creedwell Orchard in Milverton, was handed a severe punishment that reflects the gravity of his crimes.

During the proceedings at Taunton Crown Court, Judge Graham Hume Jones delivered a verdict that will keep Coles behind bars for a minimum of 15 years before he can even be considered for parole. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, which included multiple counts of rape and indecent assault, committed against vulnerable young girls.

Coles was sentenced to five concurrent life sentences, a rare and significant penalty that underscores the severity of his actions. The court also imposed additional sentences ranging from six months to four years, all to run concurrently, stemming from a jury's unanimous verdict earlier in the month that found him guilty of 17 separate charges.

In addition to his prison terms, Coles was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, a measure designed to monitor his activities and prevent further harm. The court also placed strict restrictions on his contact with anyone under the age of 16, aiming to safeguard the community from potential future offenses.

Coles notably refused to attend the sentencing hearing, which took place in Taunton, a decision that drew criticism from the court and the public alike. His absence did not diminish the court's resolve to deliver justice for his victims and to uphold the safety of the community in Milverton and beyond.