In the know

Local News

Luke Ridley, 33 (DOB 19/12/1992), from Yateley, has been given a determinant sentence of 22 years' imprisonment with an extended licence of five years when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court on 23 July. The victim was aged just 11 years old in January 2021 when she disclosed to a family member that Ridley had raped her during the first lockdown. She later went on to disclose that Ridley had sexually assaulted her at least twice a week since she was five years old. At Court, the victim, who is now aged 17, bravely read her victim impact statement in court and addressed her abuser, stating: “You made me a victim, but today I stand in front of you a survivor.” Detective Chief Inspector Mark Butterworth, who oversaw the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the courage and resilience of the victim who gave evidence against Luke Ridley, not only during the police investigation but also during the trial. “She was only five years old when Ridley began targeting and manipulating her, before going on to repeatedly rape and sexually assault her. “Her bravery has ensured that Ridley has been brought to justice for his abhorrent crimes.”

A Surrey Police officer has been given a two-year restraining order against the victim he was found guilty of stalking after being sentenced at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 21 July. PC Jake Mullarkey was found guilty of stalking on 24 June following a trial at Brighton Magistrates' Court. He was also ordered to carry out 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days (court-ordered days to participate in supervision and rehabilitative activities to address offending behaviour), and 150 hours’ unpaid work. PC Mullarkey, 35, was charged after the victim came forward on 27 July 2024 to report that she had found an electronic tracking device in her car, and that she believed she was being stalked by him. He was arrested the following day and was subsequently suspended from the Force. The device was found wrapped up in black tape and hidden in the wheel well in the boot of the victim’s car. PC Mullarkey admitted placing the device in the victim’s car but said that he had done it because of safety concerns. However, District judge Teresa Szagun dismissed this claim, pointing out that a trip he made to the Euro 2024 final in Germany “belied the extent of his concern for her safety”. Data from his phone showed over 600 uses of this app linked to the device between 14 July 2024 and 27 July 2024. Another magnetic car tracker was also found in PC Mullarkey’s possession and an order for another tracking device was found in his emails. Following conclusion of the court proceedings, misconduct proceedings will be conducted to determine whether PC Mullarkey has breached the Policing Standards of Professional Behaviour.