LESLEY BEBBINGTON'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN BARNTON: VICTIMS SAY JUSTICE WAS NOT ENOUGH

In January 2009, a disturbing case involving Lesley Bebbington, a resident of Hayes Drive in Barnton, drew significant attention from the local community and law enforcement agencies alike. Bebbington, aged 77 at the time, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault, with the offenses spanning a period of fifteen years. The court proceedings culminated in his sentencing at Knutsford Crown Court on January 12, where he was handed a 16-month prison term.

In addition to his incarceration, Bebbington is required to register as a sex offender for a decade, a measure intended to monitor and prevent further offenses. Despite these legal consequences, one of his initial victims, now 25 years old, expressed profound dissatisfaction with the severity of the punishment. She voiced her feelings of frustration and disappointment, stating, “I thought when he was sentenced it would be a bit of closure but this is almost worse.”

The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous due to legal restrictions, recounted her experience and the ongoing trauma she faces. She criticized Bebbington’s behavior, noting, “He continued after me so showed no remorse – it’s worse as time goes on.” She also pointed out that Bebbington pleaded guilty before Christmas, which allowed him to spend the holiday at home, and speculated that he might be out again by the following Christmas, implying that the punishment was insufficient.

She further expressed her disillusionment with the justice process, saying, “It happened so long ago and was brushed under the carpet – I’m glad he was in court but it feels like he’s got away with it. It’s totally disgusting.” Her words reflected a sense of injustice, especially as she dismissed the effectiveness of the sex offenders register, claiming, “He’s on the sex offenders register but that means nothing.”

Adding to her anguish, she described the sentencing as a “total slap in the face to all of the victims in this case and almost a thumbs up to him,” highlighting her belief that the punishment did not match the severity of the crimes committed.

In response, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police defended the court’s decision, emphasizing that the prison sentence served as a deterrent. The officer stated, “Lesley Bebbington preyed on vulnerable children, gaining the trust of his victims before subjecting them to sexual assault. This conviction sends out a clear message that crimes such as this are dealt with robustly and will not be tolerated.”

Overall, the case has sparked a debate within the community about the adequacy of justice for victims of sexual offenses, with many feeling that the punishment does not reflect the gravity of the crimes committed by Lesley Bebbington in Barnton.