Man jailed for 24 years after being found guilty of multiple historic rapes and sexual assaults

A man has been jailed for more than two decades after being found guilty of multiple historic rape and sexual assault offences against two victims.

Following a trial by jury at Swindon Crown Court, Nicholas Embling, 61, of Herschel Close, Oakhurst, Swindon, was convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse.  

Today (14/05), he was jailed for a total of 24 years.

Embling was reported to police in 2021, and an investigation was launched by Swindon CID.

Officers found that Embling had raped and sexually assaulted two female victims known to him on multiple occasions from 2002 onwards.

He was subsequently charged with more than a dozen offences, and following a trial by jury, was found guilty of all counts.

We are including sections of the victims’ personal statements with their permission.

Victim one said:

“I sit in this court today as someone who has survived a lifetime of trauma. Trauma is not something that simply disappears with time, it lasts a lifetime and reveals itself when you least expect it.

“My childhood was difficult; I experienced abuse, manipulation and control by someone who should have protected me.

“I have trust issues and have learnt to rely on myself because independence and strength were things I had to develop in order to survive.

“Speaking openly in this court has had to be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Reliving painful memories is not easy and finding the courage to tell my truth has taken all I have.

“I want to thank everyone involved from [redacted] those many years ago, to [redacted], Mr Scutt and Natalie. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the inner strength to get through this journey.

“Attending court has been the hardest thing I’ve done but now I stand tall knowing I have nothing to be ashamed of.

“For this is not the end of the story, it is only the beginning.”

Victim two said:

“It has taken five years to reach this day, a day I once thought would never come. The day my voice is heard, and the truth of my experience has finally been recognised.

“Finally facing the individual who stole my childhood and caused profound harm to my life has required courage, which I did not know I possessed.

"The damage caused can never be fully undone. The years that were taken from me cannot be returned. Yet through this painful journey, I have discovered a strength within myself that I did not expect.

“Enduring abuse instead of love and safety I should have known has a lasting wound, one that may never truly heal.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Natalie, the Court, Mr Scutt and the jury for listening to my words and believing my accounts. You may never fully comprehend how difficult it has been to speak out, but please know that I am forever thankful for your time and belief.”

Detective Inspector Natalie Stride said: “Nicholas Embling perpetrated the most abhorrent offences over a prolonged period against two victims known to him and trusted by him. It cannot be underestimated the harm he has caused.

“He took advantage of their age and vulnerability, beginning his abuse of them at a young age and then escalating his behaviour over the years, leading to him committing some of the most harrowing crimes a person could commit against a child.

“When then faced with what he had done, Nicholas Embling denied all offences, forcing the victims to relive their traumatic experiences through a trial.

“I want to pay tribute to them for their patience, bravery and courage firstly by coming forwards to the police and finally facing Nicholas Embling in court and giving evidence against him.

“Their strength has resulted in this guilty verdict and Nicholas Embling receiving a significant custodial sentence. Although this may offer some comfort to the victims involved, nothing will ever change the harm in which they have gone through.

“I want to reassure any victims of non-recent abuse that you will be listened to and that there is support available to you, when you feel empowered and ready to speak about it.”