GERRARD CADD OF BACUP SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES AND SEXUAL OFFENCES NEAR WHITWORTH

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bacup and the surrounding areas, Gerrard Cadd, a 55-year-old man from Pendle Close, Bacup, has been convicted and sentenced for possessing a significant collection of indecent images of children and for engaging in inappropriate and criminal conduct involving young girls.

According to court records and police reports, Cadd was found to have amassed nearly 2,000 indecent images and approximately 50 videos depicting children being sexually abused. These images were discovered on his laptop during a detailed investigation following his arrest. The severity of the material found on his device underscored the predatory nature of his actions, prompting a thorough legal response.

The case was brought before Burnley Crown Court, where Cadd faced multiple charges. He was convicted of causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activity, a serious offence that highlights the manipulative and exploitative behavior he exhibited. Prior to the trial, Cadd had pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images, but he denied other allegations, including indecent assault, assaulting a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, and additional counts of inciting sexual activity.

Despite the guilty plea on the possession charge, Cadd was found not guilty of the other charges, including those related to three different young girls. The court's verdict reflected the evidence presented, which included a specific incident at Healey Dell nature reserve near Whitworth. During this incident, a 12-year-old girl reported that Cadd had exposed himself and asked her to touch him while they were at a donkey enclosure. Prosecutors detailed how Cadd had gone behind a tree to urinate but denied intentionally exposing himself, claiming it was accidental.

Further investigations revealed that Cadd had engaged in inappropriate behavior with a third girl, involving touching her on the legs and chest. However, he was acquitted of these specific allegations, indicating that the evidence did not meet the threshold for conviction in those instances.

Following his conviction, Cadd was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to three years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years. The court also imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order to prevent any contact with potential victims or further criminal activity.

In a statement following the case, Temporary Detective Sergeant Melissa Kelly of Lancashire Police emphasized the importance of justice and victim support. She described Cadd as a predatory paedophile who targeted vulnerable children, including a young girl at Healey Dell. Detective Kelly expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I am satisfied with today’s result and hope that now the victim will be able to start moving forward with her life.”

She also reaffirmed the police department’s commitment to thoroughly investigating all allegations of child exploitation and abuse, encouraging victims to come forward regardless of how much time has passed. Kelly assured the public that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and dedicated to protecting children from predators like Cadd, who exploit their innocence for criminal purposes.