OFFENDERS JOHN MUMFORD AND RONALD NELDER SENTENCED IN WORCESTER FOR SEXUAL ABUSE

In August 2004, two business partners from Redditch, John Mumford, aged 50, and Ronald Nelder, aged 69, were sentenced to prison at Worcester Crown Court for their involvement in sexually abusing a teenage girl and subsequently giving her money.

John Mumford, who co-owned a window cleaning business with Nelder, told the victim that the money he provided was "for her 'own good'" after he groped her and rubbed himself against her. He handed her £70 during this incident. Mumford also subjected a child to physical abuse, using a shoe and a cane, and struck another child with a sign.

Judge David Matthews condemned Mumford, describing him as "a cruel bully" who failed to grasp the seriousness of his behavior during a pre-sentencing interview. Addressing the victim, now in her 20s, the judge noted that she had been "significantly damaged" by the abuse.

Mumford, of Neville Close, Redditch, was sentenced to three years and three months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years, and upon release, his license was extended to four years, meaning he could be recalled to prison if he reoffends.

The judge also addressed Nelder, a grandfather, stating, "Your family life has been shattered by the disclosure over the way you treated this girl. For your own sexual gratification, you took advantage of her in a quite disgraceful way." Nelder, of Lowlands Lane, Redditch, was sentenced to eight months in prison and must also sign the sex offenders' register for 10 years.

Prosecutor Michael Anning outlined that Mumford molested the girl between 1994 and 1997, and also suggested that he had taken nude photographs of her. Nelder lured the girl into his home, requesting her to perform a sex act in a bath, and also fondled her. This conduct persisted over a period of 12 months.

Both men paid the victim cash; Mumford also promised an additional £50. A pre-sentence report suggested that Mumford’s inappropriate behavior was influenced by an interest in pornography. His lawyer, Rashpal Mondair, stated that Mumford purchased magazines from newsagents that were not extreme and did not feature children. He added that Mumford’s actions followed marital issues and that he is now regretful.

For Nelder, defense lawyer Peter Haynes described him as immobile and infirm, emphasizing that he posed no future threat to the public. His arrest in May was a source of great shock to his family. Nelder told police that the girl was "sexually experienced beyond her years."

Mumford pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault and two counts of child cruelty, while Nelder admitted to two counts of indecent assault.