RICHARD COMLEY FROM HATTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL AT HAY-ON-WYE CAR RALLY

In a disturbing case that unfolded in November 2009, Richard Comley, a 30-year-old man from Holme Close, Hatton, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl after deliberately grooming her and manipulating her family to gain access to her. The incident took place during a car rally held near Hay-on-Wye, where Comley had convinced the girl’s father that she would be sleeping in a tent with a 20-year-old woman, thus securing his permission for her to attend the event.

Comley’s deception was part of a calculated effort to facilitate his criminal actions. After traveling from Derbyshire to the rally site, he engaged in a series of sexual acts with the young girl. Despite being warned by two individuals that the girl was underage, Comley proceeded with his plans, separating her from her father and assuring him that she would be safe in a tent shared only with an adult woman.

The court heard that during the rally, in July, Comley took the girl into a sauna, where witnesses observed what appeared to be inappropriate petting. Following this, he led her to a tent where they shared a sleeping bag. The situation escalated further when Comley took the intoxicated girl to a nearby car, removed her clothing, and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. The following morning, he took her to a secluded woodland area and had unprotected sex with her again.

One of the witnesses who observed the inappropriate behavior in the sauna reported the incident to the girl’s father, which prompted a police investigation. The authorities quickly intervened, leading to Comley’s arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by David Bowen, highlighted that Comley had been made aware by two individuals that the girl was underage. Despite these warnings, he continued with his actions, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of the young girl. The court was also informed that Comley had deliberately arranged for the girl to be separated from her father, provided her with alcohol, and engaged in sexual acts with her while she was intoxicated.

In his defense, lawyer Alex Greenwood argued that Comley’s intoxication, his dyslexia, and the fact that the girl was a willing participant should be considered mitigating factors. Greenwood claimed that the girl’s willingness to engage in the acts was significant and that Comley, despite his learning difficulties, was a hardworking individual employed in his community. He also emphasized that Comley had fully cooperated with police, even disclosing details of the second sexual encounter that the girl had not mentioned.

However, Judge Christopher Vosper QC was clear in his sentencing. He emphasized that the law exists to protect children and that the victim’s willingness to participate did not mitigate the severity of the crime. The judge pointed out that Comley had arranged for the girl’s separation from her father, provided her with alcohol, and was aware of her underage status. As a result, Comley was sentenced to two concurrent terms of imprisonment totaling two years and eight months. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was banned from working with children and vulnerable adults in the future.