Fort Victoria rape victim's mum speaks of family's ordeal

Earlier this month, Graham Medway, 62, of no fixed address but formerly of Freshwater, was jailed for the rape of a child at the park near Yarmouth.

He was sentenced to 14 years, with the last five due to be served on licence, but a review of his sentence is underway as it has been reported as being too lenient.

The mother said she was the first person to think this sort of incident could happen on the Isle of Wight but despite that “this sick man was lurking in the woods waiting for an opportunity to abuse a child”.

• Read more: Graham Medway jailed for rape of child

She urged anyone suspecting anything similar to not be afraid of reporting it.

She said: “Don’t to be afraid to report these crimes or your suspicions to the police, it could help to stop it happening to another child in future."

Police vans at Fort Victoria on the day of the attack.

And she thanked all the witnesses and police officers who brought Medway to justice.

The mother said "On August 31, 2020 my family went for a walk at Fort Victoria. It was mid-afternoon and very busy, the car park was full and there were people of all ages around.

“On the path we were walking there were several people, including another family with four adults and two children who were just a short distance from where my daughter was taken."

• Read more: Fort Victoria rapist's sentence to be reviewed

She said: “Yet despite all of these people, this sick man was lurking in the woods waiting for an opportunity to abuse a child.

“My daughter was just seconds in front of me on the path and I only lost sight of her as the path went upwards.

“In the few seconds it took me to climb up the small steps in the bank behind her, she was gone.

“At the time I continued along the path to the right thinking that she had sped up and ran ahead.

“ I now know that to my left he had snatched her into the undergrowth and as I continued to call after her along the path, I was already walking away from her.

“I recount these events to illustrate the very short time in which this took place and how easily it could happen.

• Read more: Court hears of victim's trauma

“Fortunately, with the help of others on the path, I found my daughter and she had been missing for only around eight minutes.

“My husband and I are grateful every day that we found her and understand that if it had not been for other kind and well-meaning people in the woods that day it could have been a lot worse.

“As soon as I found my daughter, she told me what had happened, and I had no doubt about the truth of what she had told me.

“However such was our shock and disbelief that my husband and I paused for a moment not really knowing what to do."

Rapist Graham Medway.

“We even asked ourselves if this is something we should phone the police about and could they really do anything about it given how difficult it would be to find the perpetrator.

“In hindsight I know we were in shock and am glad we did phone the police.

“Our initial thoughts at the time have led me to consider whether perhaps other people would have been afraid to phone and report it, perhaps for fear of not being believed, or fear they may be blamed or investigated as bad parents.

“This highlights the importance of reporting these types of crime and suspicious events and behaviour.

“I am thankful that we did report this and that the police acted so swiftly in investigating otherwise this man would still be free to rape and abuse other children.

“The action of the police who attended the scene initially and began the investigation on the day was integral to the outcome of this case.

Local intelligence proved to be vitally important and this is another reason why I would urge Islanders to report suspicious behaviour or minor events. You never know how important it could be in a future crime or incident.

“I want to take this opportunity to also thank all of the witnesses who took the time to come forward and provide statements and all of the police and specialist investigating officers from the Island and Hampshire who worked so tirelessly on this case to ensure that there was justice for our daughter and crucially the closure we needed as a family.

“The speed and diligence with which the police worked was fantastic and we really could not have asked for anything more of them. It was reassuring to us to know that when you need that help and support it is there.

“As well as the fantastic work in bringing justice the police were compassionate and kind throughout our dealings with them.

“I would urge you not to be afraid to report these crimes or your suspicions to the police, it could help to stop it happening to another child in future."