Devizes man jailed for sexual abuse of vulnerable child

It happened over a six month period in 2021.

Author: Harry LongPublished 20th Dec 2024

A man from Devizes has been jailed for sexually exploiting a vulnerable child who he had groomed .

It happened over a six month period in 2021.

37 year-old Craig Coney, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of several sexual offences after a trial.

Today at Salisbury Crown Court Coney was sentenced to nine years in prison.

He has also been put on the sex offenders register and was given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Police have praised the victim for her "incredible bravery in giving evidence".

Det Con Graham Mansell said: "I welcome this sentencing, as it provides the victim with closure following the traumatic abuse they suffered from Coney. Whilst custodial sentences ultimately end, longer term protection is provided by the sexual harm prevention order which further prohibit contact with both the victim and other children in the future. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to engage in sexual activity with a 15-year-old child, and now the sexual harm prevention order prohibits Coney from contact with under 16s.

“This case involved opportunistic and exploitative sexual grooming of a vulnerable child for Coney’s own gratification. The relationship he formed with her began almost immediately after Coney was being investigated for domestic violence, for which he’s previously been found guilty and jailed.

“The relationship with the victim was kept secret from January 2021 until evidence was uncovered and reported to the police, leading to Coney’s arrest in August 2021. During the investigation the victim was able find incredible strength and bravery to give her evidence in support of the case against Coney. Her evidence was integral in being able to jail Coney for his sexual offending.

“I'd like to thank the victim for her incredible bravery in giving evidence of the most distressing and traumatic incidents of being sexually exploited by a man more than twice her age. Her ability to do this made it possible to achieve a successful prosecution, resulting in today’s sentence. This could not have been achieved without her resilience and endurance. She had been groomed and betrayed by a man who gained so much more than just her trust. To find the strength to stand up to her abuser is nothing less than awe-inspiring.

“I’d also like to thank the members of the jury, who had to face the distressing evidence of the case and without whom offenders like Coney could not be brought to justice.

“I hope this case can inspire confidence that victims of child sexual exploitation will be believed, the police will be tenacious in the pursuit of justice and will investigate thoroughly. Where there is sufficient evidence, a prosecution will be pursued.

“Thankfully, crimes of this nature are rare, but it serves as an important reminder that there are a small minority of people who seek to sexually exploit and abuse children of all ages, exploiting their vulnerability. Wiltshire Police will continue to do everything within its power to bring child abusers to justice and safeguard children and victims of abuse.

“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may have been a victim of sexual abuse to report it to police.

“We will investigate, provide you with the full support available, and do all that we can to bring such offenders to justice."

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