HARRY BRANDWOOD LEIGH SEX ABUSE SCANDAL SHOCKS LOCAL COMMUNITY

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the town of Leigh, an 83-year-old man named Harry Brandwood has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for sexually abusing two young girls over two decades ago. The court heard harrowing details of the abuse, which took place more than 20 years prior, and the profound impact it had on the victims' lives.

Judge Denis Clark, presiding at Liverpool Crown Court, addressed the court with a tone of grave seriousness as he delivered the sentence. He noted that Brandwood, who was visibly using a walking stick during the proceedings, had inflicted irreparable damage on the innocence of the young girls. The judge stated, “What should have been a happy normal carefree time of their life was one of confusion, turmoil, fear and degradation.”

He further condemned Brandwood’s actions, emphasizing the cruelty involved. “You showed those little girls no mercy. You used and abused them for your own sexual gratification. You completely and utterly wrecked their lives,” Judge Clark declared. The judge expressed hope that the punishment would serve as a step toward helping the victims move forward from their traumatic experiences. As part of his sentence, Brandwood was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, a measure intended to monitor his conduct moving forward.

While the sentence might have been longer, Judge Clark explained that his advanced age was a mitigating factor. Brandwood, formerly residing on Clarence Street in Leigh, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on one girl and two acts of gross indecency on the other girl.

Prosecutor David Pickup provided details of the abuse, revealing that the first victim, now in her 30s, was subjected to Brandwood’s misconduct starting at around four years old. The abuse continued for approximately six years. During this period, Brandwood, who was employed as a key holder at a factory, would sometimes take the young girl there to carry out his acts. The court heard that Brandwood used threats to intimidate the child, including a chilling account of him threatening to put her head under a steam press if she did not comply.

The second victim, now in her 20s, was abused by Brandwood from the age of about five until she was nine. When questioned, Brandwood admitted to abusing her but denied making threats or intending to cause harm. His defense attorney, Brian McKenna, stated that Brandwood had the support of his family, including two of his sons who were present in court. McKenna also revealed that Brandwood had spent several months in hospital after overdosing on medication in February, during which his wife passed away. Since then, Brandwood had been living in an old folks’ home, and concerns about his mental health were noted.

Additionally, the court was informed that Brandwood had denied a further 19 counts of indecent assault on the girls, which were ordered to remain on file, indicating unresolved allegations that could potentially be revisited in the future. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Leigh, highlighting the devastating effects of abuse and the importance of justice for victims.