Man jailed for non-recent sexual abuse of six children on the Isle of Wight

A man has been jailed for a number of non-recent child sex offences on the Isle of Wight.

Ryan Phillips, aged 24, was charged with the following offences, which were perpetrated against six children:

• Rape a girl under 13 between 19 August 2012 – 19 August 2015 in Shanklin
• Assault a girl under 13 by penetration between 19 August 2012 – 19 August 2015 in Shanklin
• Inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity between 6 July 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Rape a girl under 13 between 6 July 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Rape a girl under 13 between 6 July 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Rape a girl under 13 between 6 July 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Rape a girl under 13 between 1 April 2016 and 6 July 2017 in Shanklin
• Assault a boy under 13 by touching between 1 January 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity between 1 January 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity between 1 January 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Rape of a boy under 13 between 30 May 2014 and 30 May 2015 in Shanklin
• Inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity between 1 January 2011 and 12 August 2014 in Shanklin
• Inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity between 30 May 2014 and 30 May 2015 in Shanklin
• Inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity on 6 February 2014 and 6 February 2015 in Shanklin
• Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 between 15 March 2014 and 15 March 2015 in Shanklin

The abuse was first reported to police in July 2022, before a lengthy investigation was commenced by the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) on the Isle of Wight.

Phillips, of Melville Street in Sandown, was himself under the age of 18 when all of these offences occurred.

During the abuse, he tried to stop the victims telling anyone, by claiming they would get into trouble if they did, and that the abuse should remain ‘our little secret’.

He denied all of the charges, and the case went to trial at Portsmouth Crown Court on 17 February this year.

On 13 March, he was found guilty of all 15 counts by the jury.

Appearing at the same court for sentencing on Thursday 22 May, he was jailed for 12 years and handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Passing sentence, His Honour Judge Melville commented on the ‘disastrous effect’ the offences had on the victims, and that they may never recover.

Detective Sergeant Iain Robertson, from the Isle of Wight CAIT team, said: “Reporting abuse of this nature takes an incredible amount of courage, and all of the victims in this case have shown that throughout this investigation and the subsequent court process.

“The abuse they suffered at the hands of Phillips was horrific, and through their collective bravery they have ensured he has been brought to justice.

“Rape and other sexual offences, particularly those involving children, have a devastating and long lasting impact on victims, and it can often take years for those affected to find the confidence to speak up about it.

“Offences of this nature can also be some of the most harrowing and complex for police to investigate, but this case demonstrates that justice can still be secured even years after a crime has been committed.

“I hope the outcome of this investigation can give confidence to those who have been abused and are suffering in silence that they are not alone, we will take action and we will do everything in our power to target those responsible.”

We want to encourage anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

We recognise that not everyone has the confidence to talk to police about what they have experienced. Please be reassured that there are other services available that can offer you specialist support to help you deal with the impact of abuse.

On the Isle of Wight, the Hampton Trust Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service provides specialist support to victims and survivors, irrespective of whether they have reported to the police, and is free to all Island residents.

The support offered by an ISVA is tailored to the identified needs of the victim/survivor. For further information on the Hampton Trust ISVA service and how to get in touch, please visit www.hamptontrust.org.uk 

You can also visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website for more information on where to seek independent support in your area: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/

Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.