HENRY CORDWELL'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN MILTON KEYNES AND NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Henry Cordwell, a man with ties to Milton Keynes, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young teenage girl during the mid-1990s. The disturbing incidents, which began when the victim was only 12 years old, took place at a youth club in North Bedfordshire, where Cordwell was actively involved as a youth leader.

According to court proceedings held at Luton Crown Court, Cordwell, also known by the name Harry Cordwell, engaged in a pattern of inappropriate and sexualized behavior towards the girl. The court heard that he would sometimes find himself alone with her at the youth club, during which he would carry out acts of intimate touching and fondling. These acts were part of a series of offenses that spanned over a year, specifically in 1995 and 1996.

Judge Barbara Mensah, presiding over the case, addressed Cordwell directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. She stated that his conduct had effectively robbed the girl of her childhood, a sentiment that resonated deeply with everyone present. The victim, now in her late twenties, had the strength to forgive Cordwell for his past misdeeds, a gesture that was acknowledged during the court proceedings. In a victim impact statement, she expressed her hope for a brighter future, stating that she was working on putting her life back in order after enduring years of trauma.

Henry Cordwell, a 49-year-old father of three from Holly Close, Crown Hill, Milton Keynes, appeared in court to face sentencing after earlier admitting to the charges of indecent assault and gross indecency committed against the girl. The court also found him guilty of additional offenses related to the same victim, following a trial held in February of that year.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Cordwell’s offending occurred during a turbulent period in his personal life, notably when his marriage was under strain. His involvement with the youth club, where he met the victim, was a significant factor in the case. His defense lawyer, Julia Flannagan, argued that Cordwell had sought emotional support from the young girl, despite her being far too young to provide such support. She also highlighted the devastating consequences of his actions, including the end of his marriage, his resignation from youth work, and the loss of his employment.

It was further disclosed that Cordwell had since remarried and was now living with his second wife, with whom he had three young children. His youngest child was just six weeks old at the time of sentencing, and his oldest was only two years old. The victim only came forward in 2007, revealing the abuse to police after many years of silence.

In mitigation, Miss Flannagan expressed remorse on Cordwell’s behalf, stating that he was genuinely sorry for his behavior. She also mentioned that he had been suffering from depression, nightmares, and had become a virtual recluse until he met his current wife.

Upon sentencing, Judge Mensah made it clear that Cordwell had exploited his position of trust as a youth club leader, taking advantage of the girl’s vulnerability and innocence. She emphasized that his actions had a lasting impact on her life, stating, “You robbed her of her childhood.”

As part of his punishment, Cordwell was ordered to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which restricts him from having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any future harm.