NELSON MAN KENNETH RIDEHALGH SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BURNLEY
In a case that has spanned over two decades, Kenneth Ridehalgh, a 57-year-old man from Nelson, was sentenced to a total of four years in prison at Burnley Crown Court for serious child sex offences committed in the 1980s and 1990s.The court proceedings revealed a complex history of allegations, convictions, and acquittals, highlighting the long and often difficult journey toward justice for the victims involved.
Ridehalgh, who resides on Edward Street in Nelson, faced multiple charges related to sexual misconduct with minors.
Although he initially denied many of the allegations, the court found him guilty of two specific offences: engaging in sexual activity with a child and indecent assault.
As a result, he was sentenced to four years for the sexual activity charge, with an additional 12 months imposed concurrently for the indecent assault.
The court also issued a restraining order that prohibits Ridehalgh from contacting the victims for a period of two years, aiming to protect their ongoing well-being.
The convictions stem from incidents involving two girls under the age of 16, one aged 13 and the other 15, during the late 20th century.
The court heard that Ridehalgh had molested these young girls, with the offences taking place during the 1980s and 1990s.
One of the victims, who has since come forward as an adult, described the process of seeking justice as a 'long, hard road.' She expressed her relief and gratitude that the court had finally delivered a sentence she deemed appropriate for her abuser.
Despite the convictions, Ridehalgh was cleared of numerous other charges, including allegations involving two additional victims.
These included three counts of rape, 14 offences of indecent assault, and three charges of gross indecency with a child.
Throughout the proceedings, Ridehalgh maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all counts.
The court also noted that he was briefly detained on suspicion of witness intimidation following his arrest, but no charges were ultimately filed in connection with that matter.
During the sentencing hearing, Rosalind Emsley-Smith, representing Ridehalgh, emphasized that the offences occurred many years ago and that there had been no subsequent offending.
She also highlighted that Ridehalgh still has the support of his family and social circle.
However, Judge Andrew Woolman was clear in his remarks, stating that alcohol consumption did not excuse the indecent assault on the 13-year-old girl and emphasizing that the incident involving the 15-year-old girl should never have happened, given her age and Ridehalgh’s awareness of it.
Following the sentencing, the victim, who is now an adult and cannot be publicly identified, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome.
She stated, “Going to the police was the right thing to do.
It’s taken me 20 years to do it, but I’m glad I did.
It’s a long, hard road.” Her courage in coming forward and seeking justice was acknowledged as a significant step in her healing process, and her words underscored the importance of perseverance in the face of such traumatic experiences.
