GERALD LONGMAN'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BRIDPORT AND TAUNTON: PAEDOPHILE WALKS FREE DUE TO DEMENTIA

In a highly controversial and distressing case, Gerald Longman, a 78-year-old man from Bridport, Dorset, who was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses spanning over five decades, has been granted an absolute discharge by the court, effectively allowing him to walk free despite the severity of his crimes.

Longman's criminal history includes four counts of indecent assault, two counts of rape, and the incitement of a girl under the age of 14 to perform an indecent act. These offenses, which date back to the 1960s, were brought to light during a recent trial at Taunton Crown Court. The court heard that Longman had been responsible for a disturbing pattern of abuse against young girls, some as young as two years old.

Despite the jury's conviction, Longman's legal team argued that he was unfit to stand trial due to a diagnosis of dementia. A medical assessment confirmed his mental health condition, leading to the court's decision to grant him an absolute discharge. This legal outcome means that Longman will not face any penalty or registration requirements, a decision that has sparked outrage among victims and their families.

Judge Graham Hume Jones expressed his reluctance in issuing the discharge, stating that he did so with