A paedophile pensioner from Sleaford in Lincolnshire, John Bridgewood, who confessed to raping an underage girl was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison today (Friday). John Bridgewood, 71, of Church Lane, Scredington, near Sleaford, admitted guilt to nine sexual crimes, including one count of rape and engaging in sexual conduct with a minor.
An impact statement from the unidentified victim was presented at the sentencing hearing at Lincoln Crown Court.
She recounted her persistent struggles with flashbacks and nightmares, and her loss of confidence in others.
“He took away my innocence, he asked me to keep it a secret,” she added.
The court heard John Bridgewood had no previous convictions and gave a ‘no comment’ interview to the police.
John McNally, mitigating for John Bridgewood, said his guilty pleas had spared the victim giving evidence at court.
“He took an important step in recognising what he had done,” Mr McNally told the court.
Mr McNally added: “There is his age, John Bridgewood is 71.”
The court heard John Bridgewood had also spent 20 years volunteering with the British Red Cross and had been happily married for 48 years.
“His wife does not know how she will cope,” Mr McNally explained.
Passing sentence Judge James House KC said John Bridgewood’s previous good character was of limited weight in a case of such gravity.
Judge House stressed John Bridgewood did not desist until his victim reported the abuse.
John Bridgewood was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
A restraining order was also made which prevents John Bridgewood from having any contact with the victim.
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