Cambridgeshire Paedophile Jailed for Sexually Abusing Children Over a Decade

Robert Codling, 58, of Princes Road, Wisbech, has been sentenced to eight years and two months in prison for sexually abusing children over a 12-year period.

The court heard that Codling targeted girls at an address in Wisbech, where he would openly perform sexual acts on himself in front of the children and touch them sexually, calling it "playfighting."

After more than a decade of abuse, one victim confided in someone close to her, who then reported it to the police. Codling denied the allegations but was found guilty on Thursday, February 9 at Cambridge Crown Court of six counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and exposure.

DC Melanie Bull said: "No sentence will ever erase what happened to the victims, but I hope they will be able to find some closure from this traumatic period in their young lives. Tackling child abuse is a priority for us and we are working hard every day to bring offenders like Codling to justice."

People who are concerned someone may have been convicted of a sex offence and could be posing a risk to someone can apply for disclosure information through Sarah's Law. Anyone who looks out for the welfare of a child can make an enquiry, including parents, carers, guardians, extended family, friends, and neighbours.