ANDREW BLEASDALE SENTENCED IN AYLESBURY FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AT WORCESTER CROWN COURT

In a significant case that has shocked the community of Aylesbury, Andrew Bleasdale, a 52-year-old resident of Claydon Path, was handed down a severe sentence after being convicted of multiple child sexual abuse offences that spanned over three decades. The sentencing took place at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, 17 March, following an extensive eight-day trial that concluded last month.

Bleasdale was found guilty of ten separate counts related to sexual misconduct, including grave charges such as oral rape, indecency with a child, and indecent assault. The court's verdict marked a culmination of a lengthy investigation and legal process, reflecting the serious nature of the crimes committed. As a result of his conviction, Bleasdale will now be registered as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the gravity of his offences.

The case first came to the attention of West Mercia Police when Bleasdale was questioned under caution in December 2018. During this initial investigation, authorities charged him with 14 counts of rape and sexual assault involving a girl under the age of 13. The offences reportedly occurred between May 1983 and February 1989, targeting a young girl aged between four and nine years old. The allegations, which spanned several years, painted a disturbing picture of abuse that had remained hidden for decades.

Following the trial, the court not only sentenced Bleasdale to eight years in prison but also imposed an additional one-year suspended sentence, which could be activated if he breaches certain conditions. The case has brought to light the importance of persistent investigation and the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.