Craig Coney, 37, from Devizes, has been handed a nine-year prison sentence for sexually exploiting a vulnerable 15-year-old girl in Wiltshire. He was found guilty of treating the victim as if they were in a relationship for over six months in 2021, under S9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, with counts of penetrative sexual activity on no fewer than 13 occasions.
In addition to his jail term, Coney is now a registered sex offender and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) that forbids him from contacting the victim and having unsupervised contact with females under 16.
Detective Constable Graham Mansell expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, stressing the long-term protection provided by the sexual harm prevention order. Mansell emphasized the unacceptability of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old child and highlighted the opportunistic and exploitative nature of Coney’s grooming of the vulnerable victim.
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Mansell further revealed that Coney’s relationship with the victim began while he was under investigation for domestic violence, which he had previously been found guilty of. The relationship was kept secret until evidence was uncovered and reported to the police, leading to Coney’s arrest in August 2021.
The victim’s courage and strength in providing evidence against Coney were lauded as integral to the successful prosecution and subsequent sentencing. Mansell commended the victim’s resilience in standing up to her abuser and thanked the jury for their role in bringing Coney to justice.
He also highlighted the importance of encouraging victims of sexual abuse to come forward and assured that Wiltshire Police would diligently investigate and provide support to bring offenders to justice.
Victims of sexual abuse are urged to contact Wiltshire police on 101 or 999 if in immediate danger. Support and counselling can also be sought from the Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at 01793 781916.
Further information about available support for victims of sexual assault can be obtained from the Wiltshire Police Website.