BRUCE CORDWELL FROM IBSTOCK FACES EARLY RELEASE AFTER GROOMING AND PLEA DEAL

In a significant development in a high-profile case involving grooming and attempted sexual contact with a minor, Bruce Cordwell, a 20-year-old resident of Ibstock, has been granted early release from prison following a successful appeal that drastically reduced his sentence.

Originally sentenced to 43 months at Chester Crown Court in February 2017 for attempting to arrange a child sexual act, Cordwell’s case was brought before London’s Appeal Court, where his sentence was challenged and subsequently cut to just 12 months. The court, considering the deductions for time already served, determined that Cordwell had effectively completed his sentence and was eligible for immediate release.

His crimes involved sending a series of sexually explicit texts and images to Kayleigh Haywood, a 15-year-old girl from Measham, just days before her tragic death. Kayleigh was last seen getting off a bus near Ibstock Community College, and her body was later discovered dumped near a lake in Ibstock, close to Coalville. The discovery of her body came five days after her disappearance, marking a grim chapter in this case.

Kayleigh’s murder was carried out by Stephen Beadman, a 29-year-old landscape gardener, who was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to her murder. An accomplice, Luke Harlow, aged 28, who initially made contact with Kayleigh and groomed her on social media, was sentenced to 12 years for grooming and false imprisonment.

During the appeal, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb emphasized that Cordwell’s involvement was limited to sending explicit images and attempting to meet Kayleigh for sex, but he had no direct role in her disappearance or death. The judge clarified that Cordwell’s actions did not involve any physical contact or meeting, stating, “He tried to arrange to meet her for sex but this did not get off the ground. There was no actual meeting or physical contact – let alone sexual activity.”

The original sentencing judge had been criticized for applying an overly rigid approach, which the appeal court found to be excessive. The court’s decision means that Cordwell, who has a history of 17 previous offences including shoplifting, battery, and criminal damage, will not serve additional time beyond what he has already completed.

Further details revealed that Cordwell, known on social media as ‘Sexy B,’ exchanged approximately 100 messages with Kayleigh between November 10 and 13, 2015. These messages included requests for her to go on webcam, which she refused, and claims that he was “fitter and better than her boyfriend.” He also sent her two explicit images of himself, despite knowing she was underage.

On November 16, after Kayleigh was reported missing, Cordwell sent her a message urging her to return home, saying, “You need to get home, your parents are worried sick about you. You are only 15.” These messages were uncovered during the investigation into her murder, but authorities confirmed that Cordwell had no direct link to her death.

Throughout the proceedings, Cordwell, who has a criminal record, pleaded guilty to attempting to arrange a child sex offence. His original sentence was three years and seven months, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

In a related case from earlier in 2017, Cordwell faced additional charges for sending explicit texts and pictures to Kayleigh and attempting to meet her for sex. Although he initially denied the charges, he changed his plea at the last minute, admitting to the intent to meet her. The court heard that he called himself ‘Sexy B’ on Facebook and had tattoos of red lipstick kisses on his neck.

Despite not being involved in her murder, Cordwell’s actions contributed to the tragic circumstances leading to Kayleigh’s death. His comments on social media after her death, where he expressed anger towards her killers, underscored his awareness of the gravity of the situation. His post read: “Wtf the f*** Kayleigh Jade Louise X r.i.p heaven has got another angel. Luke harlow you little scum bag you need f***ing shooting you and your scummy mate she was 15 teen years old you rats.”

This case highlights the complex legal and moral issues surrounding juvenile offenders involved in grooming and related crimes, especially when their sentences are subject to judicial review and appeal.