RICHARD HARWOOD FROM CURRY RIVEL AND LANGPORT JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD

In August 2012, a disturbing case unfolded involving Richard Harwood, a man from Curry Rivel and Langport, who was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. Harwood, aged 65 at the time, exploited his position as a charity volunteer to establish a deceptive relationship with a 14-year-old girl and her family, ultimately grooming her for sexual abuse.

Harwood’s manipulative tactics included offering the family discounts at the charity store where he worked and impressing them with lavish gifts for their daughter. Over a period of two years, he engaged in regular sexual encounters with the girl until he was caught in the act of groping her in his car outside his residence, an incident witnessed by a quick-thinking neighbor when the girl was 16 years old.

Despite his denial of any wrongdoing, evidence presented at Exeter Crown Court revealed a pattern of grooming and manipulation. Love letters and cards sent by Harwood to the girl were used as key evidence, with the court hearing how he ordered her to tear up these incriminating messages. However, the victim and her mother painstakingly reassembled the letters, which contained lewd references to her body. Notably, Harwood used a bizarre code in which he referred to her breasts as 'M' and 'B,' short for 'Mild' and 'Bitter.'

Harwood’s initial contact with the girl began when they met while walking their dogs. He then gradually ingratiated himself into her family’s life, offering help during their financial struggles. He claimed to be assisting her in overcoming bullying at school, but in reality, he was secretly taking her for sexual encounters and threatening her to maintain silence, warning her that no one would believe her if she spoke out.

Harwood, a retired bricklayer residing on Parsonage Close in Langport and formerly living on Westfield Road in Curry Rivel, faced eight charges of sexual activity with a child. He denied these charges, but the jury at Taunton Crown Court found him guilty last month. The judge, Recorder Mr. Nigel Lickley, QC, sentenced him to eight years in prison, emphasizing that his conduct had betrayed the trust placed in him.

During the sentencing, the judge highlighted the severity of Harwood’s actions, noting that he had met the girl when she was approximately 13 years old while walking her dog. The court was told that Harwood’s infatuation grew as he continued to send her letters and gifts, considering himself to be in a relationship with her and claiming to be in love. The judge pointed out the disturbing disparity in age and the breach of trust, as Harwood had created a pseudo father-daughter relationship and used threats to silence her.

Prosecutor Miss Virginia Cornwall described the case as a sustained course of conduct involving multiple sexual encounters at Harwood’s home, often when his wife was away at work. Defense attorney Mr. Patrick Mason, who has been married for 43 years and is a grandfather, argued that Harwood was a man in his twilight years, seeking a peaceful retirement and maintaining strong family ties. Mason also mentioned that the victim found the verdict and the anticipated sentence to be a source of comfort, aiding her healing process.

Harwood’s background included a role as a steward at Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton, adding to the complexity of his profile. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation.