ROBERT GIDDINGS FROM NETLEY MARSH AND RINGWOOD JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN HAMPSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Netley Marsh and Ringwood, Hampshire, Robert Giddings, a man once regarded as a respected figure, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for serious sexual offenses involving young girls. The conviction follows a lengthy trial held at Southampton Crown Court, where Giddings was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault against three young girls aged between eight and 11 years old. The assaults reportedly took place over a period spanning from 1987 to 1994, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that has left lasting scars on the victims.

Giddings, aged 54 at the time of sentencing, was a prominent member of the local community. He served as a chairman of school governors, a former leader of the parish council, and was also a well-known businessman involved in his family’s sawmill enterprise, RF Giddings, located in Netley Marsh. His reputation as a trusted community figure was well established, and he was known for his contributions to local development and education. However, these positive aspects of his life were overshadowed by the grave allegations that surfaced in January of the previous year.

His arrest came after police investigations uncovered evidence of his involvement in the abuse. Giddings was detained in January 2012, and subsequent charges were brought against him in February. Following his arrest, he resigned from his position with the Netley Marsh Parish Council and stepped down from his role as chairman of the governing body at Netley Marsh Infant School. During the trial, the court also heard that Giddings had previously been cautioned by police 22 years earlier for attempting to grab a young girl, adding a troubling context to his criminal history.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Derwin Hope addressed Giddings directly, emphasizing the severity of his crimes. The judge stated, “You have now been convicted for a really serious sexual assault. This case quite clearly is a tragedy from all points of view. It has broken up the family and the girls have had to live with the unjust humiliation of not being believed and reliving the events through the trial. The psychological effects on each of them have been enormous, and you still have not expressed regret or remorse to each of them for what you have done.”

Judge Hope also ordered Giddings to register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his offenses. Throughout the proceedings, Giddings maintained a composed demeanor, dressed in a navy suit and blue tie, showing no visible emotion as the sentence was handed down.

Defense lawyer David Richards attempted to mitigate the sentence by highlighting Giddings’ previous standing in the community. He described him as a “trusted friend and colleague” who had contributed significantly to local life over the past two decades. Richards emphasized that Giddings had been a leader in the community, working selflessly for others, and that many people, both young and old, spoke highly of him. Despite these character references, the court found that the harm caused to the victims was profound and undeniable.

In a related case from January 2013, Giddings was also found guilty of similar charges involving three girls under the age of 14, with the jury deliberating for nearly nine hours before reaching a majority verdict. The court heard how the abuse had occurred during the 1980s and 1990s, with victims now adults recounting how Giddings had touched them indecently, leaving them feeling “horrible” and “uncomfortable.” Tears were visible from the gallery as the verdict was announced, underscoring the emotional impact of the case.

Judge Derwyn Hope, presiding over that trial as well, indicated that Giddings would be placed on the sex offenders’ register, though the exact length of his sentence was not specified at that time. Sentencing was scheduled for February 11, and the defense acknowledged that Giddings faced a substantial period of incarceration. The court also heard that Giddings was a key figure at his family-run sawmill in Ringwood, which employs over 35 workers, further illustrating his prominence in the local business community.

Hampshire police, through Detective Sergeant Dave Brunsden, commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward. Brunsden stated, “Giving evidence in court against this man was particularly difficult for these victims, and I commend them for their courage. Their actions led to his conviction, and although this may bring some closure, it is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”