ANTHONY BIDMEAD AND SIMON CLINCH FROM BLIDWORTH FACE REDUCED SENTENCES FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In a recent development in a disturbing case originating from Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, two men have seen their prison sentences for serious sexual offences against minors significantly reduced following successful appeals. Anthony Bidmead, aged 38 and residing on Oak Avenue in Blidworth, was initially sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison in January 2008. He was incarcerated alongside his partner, Simon Clinch, after both were found guilty of heinous crimes involving children.

Bidmead, who had a history of previous offenses, pleaded guilty to four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, as well as possessing indecent photographs of males under the age of 18. The severity of their crimes was underscored during the trial at Derby Crown Court, where it was revealed that the defendants had transformed their home into a sinister environment designed to lure and exploit children. The court described their residence as a place that functioned as a 'honeytrap,' with the explicit purpose of attracting young victims.

In a separate but related case, Simon Clinch, also from Blidworth, successfully appealed his sentence last year, resulting in a reduction from six to four years. Following this precedent, Bidmead challenged his own sentence, and today, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Judge James Wadsworth QC, agreed to reduce his minimum term by one year. The judge stated that the original sentence was excessively long given the nature of the offences committed. However, he emphasized that the four-year minimum term was not a fixed period, and Bidmead could potentially serve longer if the Parole Board decided it was appropriate.

Judge Wadsworth clarified, "We stress that four years is a minimum term and the amount of time eventually served will be a matter for review as appropriate." This statement highlights that the actual time served could vary based on future assessments and parole considerations.

The investigation uncovered disturbing details about the defendants' activities at their Blidworth home. The property had been converted into a space for homosexual activities, featuring a specially designated 'Egyptian room' equipped with a hot tub and sauna. During the police search, officers discovered a video depicting sexual acts between men and young males, further evidencing the depravity of their actions. The court heard that Bidmead and Clinch had deliberately set up their residence to serve as a trap for vulnerable children, exploiting their environment for sexual gratification and abuse.