RICHARD AYLING SENTENCED IN HONITON FOR CHILD MOLESTATION CASE

In November 2008, a significant legal case concluded involving Richard Ayling, a resident of Millway, Bradninch, near Honiton, who was convicted of serious sexual offences against a minor. The case drew considerable attention due to the nature of the crime and the defendant's background as a musician.

Richard Ayling, aged 55, known for his role as the lead singer of the band Richard Love and the Blood, faced a four-year prison sentence after being found guilty of molesting a 14-year-old girl. The conviction followed a trial at Exeter Crown Court, where the court heard details of the offence that took place in 2005. According to court records, Ayling had initially denied the charges of rape and other sexual offences. However, on the day his trial was scheduled to commence in January, he changed his plea and admitted to a lesser charge of sexual activity with a child.

Judge Jeremy Griggs, presiding over the case, emphasized the importance of protecting the public and maintaining societal standards when delivering the sentence. He stated that failing to imprison Ayling would be a dereliction of his duty. The judge also imposed additional measures, including a Sex Offences Prevention Order, a requirement for Ayling to register as a sex offender, and a prohibition from working with children until further notice.

The court heard that the offence occurred in 2005 when Ayling, who knew the victim, offered her a lift in his sports car. Instead of taking her home, he drove her into a secluded woodland area where the sexual offence took place. During the trial, Exeter Crown Court was told that Ayling attempted to silence the girl by telling her not to be a 'robot' and to ignore societal rules.

In his defence, Ayling's legal counsel highlighted that he had no prior convictions for sexual offences and had maintained a clean criminal record for the past 12 years. The court was also informed of his health issues, including cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C, which contributed to a poor life expectancy.

Despite the conviction, Judge Griggs formally issued not guilty verdicts on the charges of rape and sexual assault, which Ayling had denied. The court's decision to imprison him was based on the severity of the offence and the need to uphold justice.

Following the sentencing, the victim, who cannot be publicly identified due to legal restrictions, expressed her ongoing anger about the incident but also her desire to move forward with her life. The police have kept her informed about the appeal process, although officials were unavailable for further comment regarding the outcome of the appeal.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to address and penalize sexual offences, especially those involving minors, and highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society.