NEIL CHADWICK ACCRINGTON SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS IN JAIL FOR ABUSE OF VULNERABLE SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Accrington, Neil Chadwick, a 70-year-old man, was sentenced to a 15-month prison term after being found guilty of sexually abusing a vulnerable schoolgirl over three decades ago. The incident, which took place between February 1971 and February 1980, involved Chadwick engaging in inappropriate and sexual acts with the young girl, who was between the ages of 11 and 18 at the time.

According to court reports, Chadwick, a resident of Chester Street in Accrington, subjected the girl to intimate touching while also exposing himself. He further engaged in sexual acts on himself in front of her and attempted to manipulate her into silence by telling her that if she reported the abuse, no one would believe her. These actions left the victim deeply traumatized, and she only came forward to the police last November, after enduring years of emotional distress.

The court was told that the victim, who is now an adult, expressed her desire for Chadwick to serve a 30-year sentence, reflecting her feelings of anger and betrayal. However, during the sentencing, she conveyed her relief that justice was finally being served, stating, “I am still shocked at the sentence but very pleased that he has been put away. He deserves to be punished.”

Chadwick’s misconduct did not only affect the victim but also had a profound impact on his own family. Court proceedings revealed that after the allegations came to light, both his wife and one of his sons attempted to take their own lives, highlighting the devastating ripple effects of his actions. Chadwick, who admitted to six charges of indecent assault and one charge of indecency with a child, was also suffering from depression at the time of sentencing.

Judge Beverley Lunt described Chadwick’s behavior as “appallingly inappropriate” and emphasized her duty to uphold justice. She stated, “I would be failing in my public duty if I did not send him to prison,” but also acknowledged that no amount of time behind bars could truly compensate the victim for the suffering endured. As part of his sentence, Chadwick was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

Prosecutor Sarah Johnston detailed that the abuse took place in Accrington, with the victim recalling that she was fairly naive at the time but understood that the acts were sexual and wrong. She made it clear to Chadwick that she did not want him to touch her in such a manner. Over time, the girl grew to hate Chadwick and actively tried to avoid him. The abuse ceased when she turned 18, after she met her future husband, confided in him about the abuse, and warned Chadwick that she would report him to the police. Chadwick’s response was to deny the allegations, court records show.

Defending Chadwick, solicitor Keith Harrison argued that his client’s guilty plea spared the victim further psychological trauma, which could have resulted from a lengthy trial. The court was also told that Chadwick was suffering from depression at the time of the offenses, which may have influenced his actions. Ultimately, Judge Beverley Lunt emphasized the importance of holding Chadwick accountable, despite her recognition that no sentence could fully undo the harm caused.