TERRY EDWARDS SNODLAND SEX OFFENDER JAILED FOR PREDATORY BEHAVIOR TOWARD TEEN GIRL

In July 2011, a disturbing case emerged involving Terry Edwards, a man from Snodland, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a teenage girl. Edwards, aged 42 at the time, was sentenced to four years in prison under an extended sentence for public protection. Following his release, he will be subject to a two-year license period, during which he must adhere to strict conditions.

Edwards, residing on Rich Road in Snodland, pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual activity with a child. His criminal history includes a probation period starting in 1987 when he was just 18, after being convicted of indecently assaulting a boy. His criminal record further includes a three-year imprisonment in 1993 for a serious sexual offence committed when he was 24, involving another male victim.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Philip Statman addressed Edwards directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge stated, “It is right to say the circumstances were not accompanied by use of a weapon or threats of force but at the time of this act you were 42 years of age and she was a 14-year-old schoolgirl. The law is there to protect children, however precocious they may at first blush appear to be.”

Judge Statman also highlighted Edwards’ involvement in a separate relationship with another young girl, which resulted in her pregnancy. Although Edwards faced a similar charge related to this girl, he denied the allegations, and the prosecution chose not to pursue evidence against him. The judge clarified, “The Crown cannot say any unlawful activity occurred prior to her 16th birthday.”

The court heard that Edwards had gradually manipulated the young girl, professing love and even offering marriage, in an attempt to gain her trust. The judge described the sexual encounter, stating, “Sexual intercourse took place at a time when she was a virgin, too scared, in my judgement, to say no to your advances. You clearly took advantage of her.”

Furthermore, Judge Statman expressed concern over Edwards’ apparent lack of remorse and insight into his actions. Reports indicated that Edwards, who was believed to have a low IQ, attempted to shift blame onto the victim, suggesting she had egged him on. It was also revealed that at the time of the offences, Edwards’ wife had left him, and he had a history of domestic abuse, for which he had been given a community order.

The court took a stern stance, placing Edwards on the sex offenders’ register for life and prohibiting him from working with children. The judge’s verdict underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats crimes involving the exploitation of minors, especially when committed by individuals with a prior history of sexual offences.