TONY RIDGWAY-COLE FROM LETCHWORTH JAILED FOR GROOMING 13-YEAR-OLD BOY

In a case that has shocked the community of Letchworth, Tony Ridgway-Cole, a well-known figure associated with the Salvation Army and the founder of City Chorus, has been sentenced to prison for his disturbing actions involving a young boy. The incident came to light during a court hearing at Cambridge Crown Court, where Ridgway-Cole appeared to face serious allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct.

According to court records, Ridgway-Cole, aged 39, engaged in a systematic campaign of grooming over an 18-month period spanning 2012 and 2013. The victim, a 13-year-old boy, was targeted through Facebook, where Ridgway-Cole used his influence and position to manipulate the young individual. The court heard that Ridgway-Cole encouraged the boy to participate in sexual acts and repeatedly discussed masturbation, attempting to normalize and coerce the behavior.

Initially, the victim was prepared to testify against Ridgway-Cole, but the defendant unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty at the last minute, avoiding a potentially traumatic court process for the young boy. During the sentencing, Judge Jonathan Cooper described Ridgway-Cole as a predatory and remorseless individual, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. The judge sentenced him to six months in prison, remarking that monetary compensation could never undo the damage inflicted on the victim.

Throughout the proceedings, it was revealed that Ridgway-Cole had presented himself as a man of faith, highlighting his connections with the Salvation Army and his role as a choirmaster in an attempt to gain the trust of the boy and his family. This betrayal of trust was a central concern for the court and was reflected in the severity of the sentence.

Following the hearing, the boy’s mother expressed her feelings, stating, “It was a complete betrayal of trust. He took advantage of a vulnerable young boy. I’m just very pleased, this is more than I ever expected. It’s been two years of absolute awfulness. It’s a good day for justice.”

In addition to the jail term, Judge Cooper ordered Ridgway-Cole to pay £1,000 in court costs. The court also issued a restraining order against him and imposed a five-year sexual harm prevention order to protect others from potential harm.

Witnesses in the courtroom included Ridgway-Cole’s partner of 17 years, Colin Ridgway-Cole, who was present in the public gallery along with several members of the City Chorus. After admitting to inciting the boy to engage in sexual activity, Ridgway-Cole’s second charge of causing a child to watch pornography involving two men was left on file, meaning it was not pursued further at this time.

This case has left a lasting impact on the community of Letchworth, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding against abuse by trusted individuals in positions of influence.