Craig Coney, a paedophile from Devizes, has been sentenced to imprisonment for sexually exploiting a vulnerable kid whom he groomed and with whom he maintained a relationship for over six months in 2021.
This sentence pertains to a trial in which Craig Coney, 37, of no fixed address, was convicted under S9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for five counts of penetrative sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old girl on at least 13 occasions.
On December 20th, at Salisbury Crown Court, Craig Coney received a nine-year prison sentence.
He is also bound by the stipulations of being a registered sex offender and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which forbids him from contacting the victim and having any unsupervised interactions with females under the age of 16.
Det Con Graham Mansell made an impressive statement: “I welcome this sentencing, as it provides the victim with closure following the traumatic abuse they suffered from Craig 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 Craig Coney from contact with under 16s.
“This case involved opportunistic and exploitative sexual grooming of a vulnerable child for Craig Coney’s own gratification. The relationship he formed with her began almost immediately after Craig 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 Craig 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 Craig 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 Craig 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.”
If you wish to report sexual abuse please contact us on 101, or if in immediate danger, call 999.
Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) – they can be contacted on the helpline 01793 781916.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.