GERALD TOBY LUDLAM FROM BIDEFORD SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN EXETER

In a case that has shocked the North Devon community, Gerald Ludlam, also known as Toby Ludlam, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences committed in Bideford and surrounding areas. The offences, which spanned from the 1990s into the early 2000s, involved the abuse and rape of two young children, with one victim as young as four years old at the time of the assault.

Gerald Ludlam, a 62-year-old resident of Market Place in Bideford, was found guilty at Exeter Crown Court in December of 14 serious sexual offences. The charges included indecent assault, indecency with a child, and rape. During the trial, Ludlam portrayed himself as a 'hard-drinking and hard-working biker,' asserting that he had been wrongly accused of these crimes. However, the court was not convinced by his claims, and the judge described him as a dangerous paedophile.

Following the conviction, Judge Peter Johnson delivered a stern sentence, condemning Ludlam for the extensive harm caused to his victims. The judge emphasized that Ludlam's actions had inflicted profound psychological and emotional trauma, with one victim stating, “The abuse I suffered at his hands affected all aspects of my life.” This victim, who struggled with maintaining relationships and suffered mental health issues, recounted how her childhood was stolen from her. The other victim described feeling 'broken' and said Ludlam had 'taken away my childhood.'

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Johnson highlighted the severity of Ludlam's crimes, noting that he had been convicted of 14 out of 15 counts that represented a campaign of sexual abuse against children. The judge criticized Ludlam for showing no remorse, pointing out his continued denial of the offences, as evidenced by his nods and head-shaking during the court proceedings. The judge declared Ludlam a danger to the public and imposed an extended sentence, including an additional three years on licence, meaning Ludlam will serve two-thirds of his 24-year term in prison. He will also remain on licence for a total of 27 years, with the full sentence concluding when he is nearly 90 years old.

As the community grapples with the gravity of these crimes, the court's decision underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions.