DEREK CHEESEMAN FROM LEIGHTON BUZZARD FACES JUSTICE AFTER KIDNAPPING INCIDENTS IN BUCKS AND BEDFORDSHIRE

In October 2013, a series of disturbing events involving Derek Cheeseman, a resident of Leighton Buzzard, came to light, revealing a pattern of criminal behavior that spanned several months and culminated in serious charges related to kidnapping attempts.

Cheeseman, who was 76 years old at the time, was found to be suffering from terminal stomach cancer, which significantly impacted his legal proceedings. Due to his health condition, he was considered unfit to stand trial in the traditional sense, and his case was handled with particular caution. He appeared at Luton Crown Court in a wheelchair, and the court was informed that he had been housed in the hospital wing of Bedford Prison until a suitable placement could be arranged for him.

Following a series of legal developments, Judge Mark Bishop issued an order to prevent the publication of Cheeseman’s new residence, citing fears that revealing his location could lead to an attack against him. This measure was taken to ensure his safety, given the nature of his crimes and his vulnerable health status.

Cheeseman’s criminal record included two attempted kidnapping charges involving two 12-year-old girls in Stewkley, Buckinghamshire, on November 1 of the previous year, and a successful kidnapping of a nine-year-old girl in Leighton Buzzard on November 18. The latter incident involved Cheeseman approaching the young girl in Meadow Way, Leighton Buzzard, and convincing her to get into his vehicle by falsely claiming to be a police officer. He then drove her to a remote farm in Little Brickhill, where he intended to carry out further criminal acts. Fortunately, a vigilant farmer observed Cheeseman’s car and questioned him, which led to Cheeseman’s arrest by police at the scene.

In the earlier incident, Cheeseman had approached two girls playing in The Rec on Soulbury Road, Stewkley. He offered to walk their dogs and even suggested paying them £10 for their assistance. When one girl ran ahead and noticed Cheeseman’s car, she alerted her companion. Cheeseman’s attempt to lure the girls was thwarted when a passing motorist, who saw him talking to the children, called the police and provided a description of his vehicle, including its registration number.

Despite his health issues, Cheeseman was brought to court for these serious allegations. Because he only had months to live, he did not attend his trial in person but remained in the hospital wing of Bedford Prison. The jury, after a brief hearing, found him guilty of the acts charged against him, confirming his involvement in the attempted and successful kidnappings.

Following the conviction, the court arranged for Cheeseman to be placed under a Supervision Order for a maximum period of two years, under the provisions of the 1964 Criminal Procedure Act. Additionally, he was subject to a stringent five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibited him from having contact with children and from leaving his designated residence without permission. Cheeseman was also required to register as a sex offender for five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Judge Bishop emphasized the importance of public safety and Cheeseman’s supervision, stating, “He must reside at the address provided to me and will be under the supervision of social services. He is subject to constraints under the Sexual Offences Prevention Order which significantly constrains his movements. If he seeks to leave, he will be in breach of the order and the police will be notified. The public can be sure that the police will know at all times where he is.”

These measures were enacted to prevent any further harm and to maintain strict oversight of Cheeseman’s movements, given the severity of his offenses and his vulnerable health condition. The case drew significant attention due to the nature of the crimes and the complexities involved in managing a terminally ill offender with a history of predatory behavior in the Leighton Buzzard area and beyond.