RAY SADLER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-LONG SEXUAL ABUSE IN BEXLEYHEATH

In a case that spanned over twenty years, Ray Sadler, an 86-year-old man from Percy Road in Bexleyheath, has been convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of two young girls. The disturbing revelations came to light after a lengthy investigation by authorities, culminating in Sadler pleading guilty to multiple charges.

On January 7, Sadler appeared before Bromley Magistrates' Court, where he admitted to ten counts of indecent assault involving two girls who were under the age of 16 at the time of the abuse. The victims, whose ages ranged from eight to fifteen during the incidents, were known to Sadler and his family, which made the abuse particularly troubling given the familiarity and trust involved.

The abuse reportedly took place within Sadler’s own residence in Bexleyheath during the 1970s and 1980s. It was during visits to his home that Sadler would carry out acts of sexual misconduct against the young girls. Additionally, the investigation revealed that Sadler would take the victims to a nearby park, where further assaults occurred, adding a layer of public vulnerability to his predatory behavior.

The case gained momentum after a woman, now aged 48, came forward in January 2017, alleging that Sadler had sexually abused her as a child. This initial disclosure prompted a broader investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command. During the course of their inquiries, officers identified a second victim, also aged 48, who confirmed she had been abused by Sadler during her childhood.

Sadler was voluntarily interviewed by police on two occasions, first on February 7, 2017, and again on July 6, 2018. Following these interviews, he was formally summoned to appear before Bromley Magistrates' Court on January 7, 2019.

At Woolwich Crown Court on March 8, Sadler was sentenced to 18 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 20 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. Furthermore, Sadler was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a decade, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities moving forward. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse, regardless of how much time has passed.