A 76-year-old Bridgwater man is behind bars for nearly four years after shocking child sex abuse crimes came to light in Somerset.
Roderick Lukins Jailed for 3 Years 9 Months
Roderick Lukins was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday, 16 October. He received 3 years and 9 months for two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, plus one count of actual sexual activity with a child.
On top of his prison term, Lukins was slapped with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, barring him from contact with children once released.
How The Sickening Abuse Was Uncovered
Lukins raised red flags when he asked the victim’s family if he could take their child to a local event in Bridgwater. Though the family had known him for years and thought he was trustworthy, the request felt deeply wrong.
Weeks later, the child questioned why they hadn’t seen Lukins. This led to the harrowing truth: Lukins had been sexually abusing the child, including touching and kissing. Even worse details emerged as the story unfolded.
Police and Family Speak Out on Devastating Impact
Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation in 2022, leading to Lukins’ conviction. Specialist officers described his crimes as “depraved and sickening.”
“They can’t erase his sexually verbal and physical actions from their mind. They visualise his actions repeatedly, causing extreme upset, sadness, depression, uncontrollable tears and constant nightmares,” said the victim’s family.
“Therapy and victim support have helped, but the trauma will take time to heal. The case was postponed for a year, prolonging the pain for all of us.”
Detective Constable Phil Hockey praised the victim’s courage: “The child did absolutely the right thing by speaking out. We urge any victims of sexual abuse to come forward — you will be listened to, believed, and supported.”
