ROBERT RATCLIFFE OF WEST DRAYTON SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN IN READING AND BASINGSTOKE

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Reading and Basingstoke, Robert Ratcliffe, a 49-year-old man from Rowan Road, West Drayton, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 22 years after being found guilty of a series of heinous sexual offences committed against three young children. The conviction was handed down at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, September 17, following a detailed trial that uncovered the extent of Ratcliffe's disturbing actions.

Ratcliffe was convicted on a total of 12 counts related to the abuse of two girls and one boy. The charges included seven counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, two counts of rape, and one count of attempted rape. These offences spanned nearly two decades, from 1980 to 1999, and took place across the towns of Reading and Basingstoke. The victims ranged in age from as young as four to as old as eleven at the time of the abuse.

The court heard that Ratcliffe exploited the innocence of children, deliberately targeting those as young as four years old to satisfy his own sexual desires. The abuse inflicted upon the victims was described as being of the most serious nature, reflecting the gravity of his crimes. The victims included a girl aged between eight and eleven, a boy aged between four and six, and another girl aged between six and eight.

Detective Constable Melanie Brown, who is part of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, provided a statement emphasizing the severity of the case. She expressed her appreciation for the bravery shown by the victims in coming forward and giving evidence in court. “Ratcliffe’s offending spanned nearly 20 years and was of the most serious degree,” she said. “He deliberately took advantage of children as young as four in order to satisfy his own sexual gratification. I want to take this opportunity to thank the three victims in this case for having the bravery to come to court and give evidence against him. It is because of their courage that he is now facing a long time behind bars.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Ratcliffe was also subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which aims to restrict his activities and prevent further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predators. Authorities continue to urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse or who has knowledge of such crimes to come forward and assist in the ongoing efforts to bring offenders to justice.