Man jailed for non-recent rape and sex offences

A man has been jailed for 25 years for non-recent rape and sexual offences against a woman and children.

Neil Chiddy, 49, of no fixed abode, was sentenced for his offences, which were carried out over several years, at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 15 October.

He was convicted by a jury of two counts of the rape of a child, one count of the rape of a woman, two counts of indecent assault, three counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault against a child following a trial at the same court in July.

He has also been handed a restraining order not to contact his victims for an indefinite period.

Three separate victims, one woman and two children, reported being subjected to sexual assaults by Chiddy over a number of years and we have maintained contact with them throughout the course of the investigation, and they have been offered access to any support services they may benefit from.

His offending included the sexual abuse of children, grooming behaviour that escalated to repeated rape, and the rape of an adult woman.

Chiddy carried out the offences in Wiltshire and the Bath and North East Somerset area and was arrested in the West Midlands in November 2022 after a victim made a disclosure to their family and police after several years.

Chiddy’s victims outlined the impact his offending had on them in statements which were read in court on their behalf.

One victim said: “It has taken me years to accept what has happened. At the time, I did not know that what was happening to me was not normal.

“It took me years to speak to anyone about what he had done. I kept silent, I was ashamed and I was worried about the impact on my family.

“When I eventually told someone what he had done to me, it finally felt real.  I can’t really recall what happened after it was reported to the police – it was a blur. I was ashamed and worried what people would ask me if they found out.”

“To this day, I am still trying to process what on Earth had gone on.”

T/DS Olivia McNeill, the investigating officer from our Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said: “Chiddy’s offending demonstrated a sustained pattern of predatory sexual behaviour spanning several decades.

“He showed clear, calculated behaviour and groomed his victims into staying silent for many years, meaning he felt he had gotten away with these utterly despicable crimes.

“While a 25-year sentence cannot undo the trauma he has caused, we would like to pay testament to the victims’ courage in coming forward after so many years, which is both inspiring and commendable.

“Their bravery and commitment to support our investigation has ensured that Chiddy is finally facing justice for his crimes, and we hope this brings them some closure.

“We also want to remind victims and survivors of sexual abuse that these crimes are taken incredibly seriously, and they will be listened to, supported, and believed, no matter how long ago the offences were committed.”