ANDREW WHITEHEAD'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BEDWORTH: BAKER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGER

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bedworth, Andrew Whitehead, a 56-year-old baker residing on Coventry Road, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed over two decades ago. The crimes, which involved the abuse of a teenage boy, came to light during a court hearing at Warwick Crown Court, where Whitehead pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to indecent assault and gross indecency.

According to prosecutor John Hallissey, the victim, who was in his early teens at the time, would occasionally visit Whitehead’s bakery after school. On one such occasion, Whitehead, noticing the boy alone, engaged in inappropriate behavior by tickling him before pinning his arms and groping him, making a disturbing comment: “I’ve been waiting for you to grow up.”

Several weeks later, the victim returned to the bakery at a time when other staff members had left. Whitehead then took him upstairs to a preparation area, which the boy described as being fitted with stainless-steel tables. There, Whitehead asked the boy if he knew how to perform certain sex acts, handed him a soft-core pornographic magazine, and encouraged him to remove his trousers and pants. Whitehead himself then removed his own clothing and began to perform a sex act, urging the boy to do the same. The young victim felt embarrassed by these actions. Before leaving, Whitehead handed him a set of playing cards featuring naked women.

Over the following weeks, similar inappropriate encounters occurred mainly at the bakery. Whitehead also provided the boy with money to buy men’s magazines from a nearby shop for their viewing. On one particularly disturbing occasion, Whitehead attempted to escalate his misconduct by asking the boy to perform oral sex on him. The boy refused, prompting Whitehead to ask, “Not even for £50?” but the victim maintained his refusal.

Defense lawyer Martin Liddiard acknowledged that the incidents had ceased naturally and emphasized that these events took place more than 21 years ago. He highlighted Whitehead’s caring nature towards his family and expressed concern about his father’s wellbeing, as Whitehead is the primary caregiver. Liddiard also mentioned Whitehead’s efforts to assess his business, which he has operated for over 30 years, and his dedication to working long hours to sustain it.

Judge Richard Griffith-Jones, presiding over the case, noted that at the time of the offenses, the maximum sentences available were less severe than current guidelines. He stated that he had considered both the historical and current sentencing frameworks, which now suggest a range of two to six years with a starting point of three years for similar offenses today. The judge acknowledged Whitehead’s previously good character, his hard work, and his role as a caring son, as well as his remorse and guilty pleas.

However, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, describing the victim as young and vulnerable, and noting the grooming element involved. As a result, Whitehead was sentenced to 20 months in prison and ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years. Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, prohibiting Whitehead from having unsupervised contact with any child for a decade, except incidental contact during normal daily activities, which does not prevent him from serving customers in his shop.

This case underscores the gravity of sexual offenses against minors and the importance of justice in safeguarding vulnerable individuals within the community of Bedworth.