ANDREW BUCKINGHAM FROM WIGAN CAUGHT IN SEX OFFENDER SCANDAL INVOLVING LOCAL MOTHER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wigan, Andrew Buckingham, a known sex offender, was convicted of manipulating a mother-of-three into a relationship and allowing him to move into her home, despite his criminal history. The incident, which came to light in November 2015, highlights the dangers of deception and the importance of awareness regarding offenders' backgrounds.

According to court records, Buckingham, aged 22 at the time, had previously been jailed for engaging in sexual activity in front of a young child. He was subject to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, a legal restriction designed to prevent further offending. Despite this, Buckingham managed to deceive a woman he met through the Oasis internet dating website, leading her to believe he was a reformed individual. He falsely claimed to have a history of violent crimes but omitted critical details about his sexual offences.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was a mother caring for three children aged two, four, and seven. She recounted her shock and disappointment upon discovering Buckingham’s true background. She stated, “I was really upset and angry when I found out. I can’t believe I didn’t know and he would never have told me.” She expressed her frustration that Buckingham’s mother was aware of his past yet allowed him to continue seeing her and her children. The woman made it clear she no longer wished to maintain any relationship with Buckingham and wanted him kept away from her children.

Further details revealed that Buckingham had been staying at the woman’s home regularly. From September 23, he was reportedly staying three nights a week, and by November, he was there most nights. His presence in her home was a source of distress, and her statement reflected her feelings of betrayal and concern for her children’s safety.

Adding to the complexity of the case, it was revealed that this was not Buckingham’s first breach of legal restrictions. Previously, he had been recalled to prison after contacting another young mother following his release on licence, indicating a pattern of risky and illegal behavior.

During the court proceedings, Buckingham’s defense lawyer, Katy Appleton, requested leniency, emphasizing her client’s early guilty plea and describing him as someone who was “homeless, lonely and depressed” when he met the woman. She also noted that Buckingham had never been left alone with her children, attempting to mitigate the severity of his actions.

However, Judge Robert Trevor-Jones was unequivocal in his assessment, describing Buckingham as “a manipulative individual.” The judge criticized Buckingham for actively misleading the woman about his past, calling it a “flagrant, blatant breach.” He also pointed out that the pre-sentence report was alarming, indicating that Buckingham continued to blame others for his previous offending rather than taking responsibility.

As a result, Buckingham was sentenced to 16 months in prison. Additionally, he was handed a new sexual offences prevention order and was ordered to sign the sex offender register for the next ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. This case underscores the ongoing risks posed by individuals with a history of sexual offending and highlights the importance of vigilance and thorough background checks in personal relationships.