Roderick Lukins, of Bridgwater, jailed for child sexual offences

Paul JonesOctober 17, 20250 Comment0

BRIDGWATER man Roderick Lukins has been jailed after being convicted of sexual offences against a child.

The 76-year-old made sexually explicit comments and inappropriately touched a teenager and was jailed for three years and nine months during a sentencing hearing at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday (October 16).

He also was handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Lukins’ crimes came to light when he approached the child’s family and told them they wanted him to take him to an event in Bridgwater – something the victim said was not the case.

He had been known to the family for a number of months, the court heard, and was considered a person they could trust, but they were concerned about Lukins’ request and thought it would be inappropriate.

A few weeks later the child asked about Lukins and why they had not seen him, at which point their family explained their concerns.

The victim went on to make several disclosures to people they knew that Lukins had sexually touched them and kissed them.

The crimes were reported to Avon and Somerset Police in 2022, leading to an investigation being carried out by specialist officers and in July, Lukins, of Bell Close, was found guilty of two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity with a child and a further charge of sexual activity with a child.

The child’s family, in a statement prepared for the sentencing hearing, said their personality had changed because of what Lukins had done.

“(The child) has found it extremely difficult to erase both his regular sexually verbal and regular sexual physical actions from their mind,” they said.

“They often say that they can’t get them out of their head, and they visualise his actions time and time again causing them to be extremely upset, sad and depressed with many unconsolable tears and regular nightmares.”

“They (the child) have been able to have some support from Victim Support services and therapeutic counselling to help with their mental health and emotional wellbeing,” they added.

“However, this may need to be continued into the future as they continue to process Rod Lukins’ actions.

“This case was also postponed for a year and should have been conducted a year ago so has therefore, extended the impact of these events on all of us, in the fact that we haven’t been able to conclude this case and move on with our lives.”

After the hearing, DC Phil Hockey, officer in the case, said: “Lukins’ depraved and sickening crimes will rightly shock and appal.

“The bravery and courage shown by the victim and their family since reporting this to us has been immense, particularly given a previous trial has to be adjourned meaning it has taken longer for the legal proceedings to conclude.

“The child did absolutely the right thing in telling responsible adults what had happened, because no matter how old you are, that first step is the hardest.

“We hope all victims of sexual abuse take heart from their bravery and come forward to report any similar crimes committed against them.

“All such reports will be treated seriously, all victims will be listened to and believed, and we can help them access support services to suit their needs.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault, recent or non-recent, can self-refer to The Bridge, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre available 24/7 365 days a year, by calling 0117 342 6999.