RICHARD COVENEY SENTENCED IN MARCH FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL OFFENSES AND ASSAULTS NEAR CAMBRIDGE

In a case that has shocked the local community of March, Richard Coveney, aged 25, was handed a substantial prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple serious offenses, including sexual abuse of underage girls and violent assaults. The incidents took place over a period spanning 2009 and 2010, with Coveney’s criminal activities coming to light during a court hearing at Cambridge Crown Court.

According to court reports, Coveney had engaged in sexual activities with two underage girls, one aged just 13 and the other 14. The abuse of the 14-year-old girl was particularly disturbing, as it occurred on no fewer than thirty occasions over the course of a year. The court heard that Coveney, who was described as “psychologically limited,” often sought out the company of much younger individuals, which contributed to his predatory behavior. His tendency to befriend and exploit minors was a key factor in the severity of his sentencing.

In addition to the sexual offenses, Coveney was also convicted of an unprovoked assault that took place in July in the vicinity of Maple Grove and Robin Goodfellow’s Lane, areas within March. During this incident, he attacked two 14-year-olds, resulting in one girl suffering a dislocated collarbone and a sprained wrist. The assault was characterized by the judge as “very unpleasant” and “unprovoked,” highlighting the violent nature of Coveney’s actions. Witnesses described how Coveney punched a boy in the back of the head and brandished a Swiss army knife, threatening the two youths during the altercation.

Judge Jonathan Haworth, presiding over the case, sentenced Coveney to three years in prison. The judge emphasized that Coveney’s low academic attainment did not justify or excuse his criminal conduct. Addressing Coveney directly, Judge Haworth stated, “You clearly knew what you were doing was wrong on both occasions, and the very fact you continued the offenses over such a long period indicates you had ample opportunity to recognize your actions were unacceptable.”

The court also heard that the girl who was abused for a year had undergone a significant change since her ordeal, becoming secretive and angry. The judge expressed concern about the long-term impact of Coveney’s actions on her and her family, noting the difficulty in predicting the full extent of the trauma inflicted.

In mitigation, Michael Magee, representing Coveney, explained that the defendant had been hanging out with children due to unemployment and a lack of qualifications. Magee suggested that Coveney might have found it easier to relate to younger individuals because of his psychological profile.

As part of his sentence, Coveney was ordered to serve two and a half years for the sexual offenses, with an additional six months for the assault. Furthermore, he will be subject to a 10-year order prohibiting him from having any contact with individuals under the age of 16. He is also required to register as a sex offender, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities in the community of March and beyond.