A 76-year-old man from Bridgwater has been locked up for nearly four years after a horrific child sex abuse case shocked Somerset.
Roderick Lukins Sentenced to 3 Years 9 Months
Roderick Lukins was handed a 3 year and 9 month prison sentence at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday, 16 October. He was found guilty of two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, plus one count of actual sexual activity with a child.
The court also slapped him with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order to keep him away from children once released.
How The Creepy Crimes Came To Light
Lukins first raised alarm bells when he approached the victim’s family, asking to take their child to an event in Bridgwater. Though the family had known him for some time and believed him trustworthy, the request struck them as deeply inappropriate.
Weeks later, the child asked why they hadn’t seen Lukins, prompting a difficult conversation. The victim then courageously revealed Lukins had sexually touched and kissed them. More disturbing details emerged in time.
Police & Family Speak Out
The abuse was reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2022. Specialist officers launched a full investigation leading to Lukins’ conviction.
The victim’s family revealed how the abuse has devastated the child’s mental health:
“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.”
“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 described Lukins’ crimes as “depraved and sickening,” praising the bravery of the victim and their family throughout the ordeal.
“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.”
