ROGER GAMMIDGE AND JUDITH DAVISON FROM HORKSTOW AND MELTON ROSS SENTENCED FOR ABUSE AND CRUELTY

In January 2011, a disturbing case unfolded involving serious allegations of sexual abuse and cruelty committed by residents of Horkstow and Melton Ross. A 61-year-old businessman named Roger Gammidge, residing in Melton Ross, was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl, aged just 13 at the time. The court proceedings revealed that Gammidge had engaged in a prolonged pattern of grooming and manipulating the girl, ultimately leading to multiple counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, and rape.

Following a thorough trial at Grimsby Crown Court, the jury found Gammidge guilty on all seven counts brought against him. These included five separate charges of indecent assault, one count of indecency with a minor, and one count of rape. The severity of his actions was underscored by the court's decision to place him on the sex offenders register indefinitely, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge David Tremberg expressed his strong disapproval of Gammidge's conduct, emphasizing that the defendant had shown no remorse for his actions. The judge described Gammidge’s behavior as a persistent course of conduct that inflicted significant harm on the teenage victim. The court heard that the girl, who was only 13 when the abuse began, had suffered immensely, experiencing difficulties not only at school but also at home and in her personal life. Her ongoing struggles were directly linked to the trauma inflicted by Gammidge.

It was detailed during the trial that Gammidge had systematically groomed and manipulated the girl over an extended period. His actions included indecent assaults on multiple occasions, culminating in a rape. The court also considered the impact of his actions on her mental and emotional well-being, highlighting the long-lasting damage caused by his misconduct.

In a related case, Judith Davison, aged 60 and identified as Gammidge’s former partner, was also brought before the court. Residing in Horkstow, Barton, Davison was found guilty of one count of cruelty. Her health was reportedly in poor physical condition, and her sentence was a four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months. The judge took into account her positive character references when passing sentence, but emphasized that her involvement in the case represented a gross breach of trust.

Judge Tremberg concluded the proceedings by thanking the jury for their service in what he described as a very difficult and distressing case. The sentences handed down reflect the serious nature of the crimes committed and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse.