VICTOR RENDALL FROM CHAPMANSLADE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL IN SWINDON

In a case that has shocked the community of Chapmanslade and the surrounding areas, Victor Rendell, a 52-year-old resident of High Street, Chapmanslade, was sentenced to two years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incidents, which spanned over a period when the girl was between the ages of 12 and 14, were detailed during a court hearing at Swindon Crown Court, revealing a disturbing pattern of misconduct by Rendell.

According to court reports, Rendell, who was well known to the victim as a family friend, had a longstanding relationship with her, often acting as a babysitter and providing her with lifts in his car. The girl’s family trusted Rendell, unaware of his inappropriate intentions. The court heard that Rendell’s behavior escalated as the girl grew older, with him becoming sexually attracted to her and engaging in indecent acts.

The court was told that the first incident occurred when the girl was about 13 years old. One night, she stayed over at Rendell’s house, and after she had gone to bed, he entered her room. He then proceeded to touch her indecently while she was sleeping. The following year, when she was 14 and again spent the night at Rendell’s home, he entered the bathroom where she was washing her hair. Despite both being dressed, he touched her again inappropriately from behind.

During the trial, it was revealed that Rendell made a disturbing comment about their having sex, mentioning that he knew she was on the contraceptive pill. This statement prompted the girl to report the incidents to the police, leading to Rendell’s arrest and subsequent trial.

Rendell denied all allegations, pleading not guilty to charges of sexual assault on a child under thirteen and three counts of sexual activity with a minor. However, after a jury trial at Swindon Crown Court late last year, he was convicted on all four counts. The court heard that Rendell had no previous convictions and insisted that his actions were isolated and not part of grooming or predatory behavior.

During sentencing, Judge Euan Ambrose acknowledged the severity of the offenses and their profound impact on the victim. He highlighted a victim impact statement that described the emotional turmoil and lasting scars inflicted upon the girl. The judge expressed hope that, with time, she would be able to recover from the trauma and move forward.

Anna Midgley, representing Rendell, stated that her client was aware of the impending jail sentence and that his wife remained supportive. She also mentioned that Rendell had recently become a grandfather and would miss the early moments of his grandchild’s life due to his incarceration. The defense emphasized that the offenses were isolated incidents and that Rendell had not engaged in grooming or predatory conduct.

Judge Ambrose concluded by emphasizing the serious consequences of such offenses, especially on young girls. He underscored the lasting emotional damage caused and expressed hope for the victim’s eventual healing, while also condemning Rendell’s actions as a grave breach of trust and morality.