PATRICK CHEESEMAN FROM CLEETHORPES JAILED FOR ABUSING UNDERAGE GIRLS IN GRIMSBY
In August 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving Patrick Cheeseman, a 64-year-old man from Cleethorpes, who was convicted of heinous crimes against underage girls in Grimsby.The court heard that Cheeseman, who previously worked at a hotel in Grimsby for over two decades, had a dark and monstrous side that he himself acknowledged in a letter to Judge Michael Fanning.
In this letter, Cheeseman admitted to being a paedophile and revealed that he had researched medical procedures aimed at removing his urges towards young girls, highlighting the severity of his internal struggle.
Judge Fanning, presiding over Grimsby Crown Court, sentenced Cheeseman to a substantial term of four years and eight months in prison.
During the sentencing, the judge acknowledged that despite Cheeseman’s criminal conduct, there had been some positive aspects to his character, noting his long employment history at the hotel.
However, he emphasized that these qualities did not diminish the monstrous actions he had committed against his victims.
Cheeseman’s criminal history was further compounded by his 2019 conviction, when he admitted to sexual assault and two counts of inciting or causing a girl to engage in sexual activity.
Following that conviction, he was sentenced to a year in prison and subsequently dismissed from his hotel job after informing his employers of his criminal record.
Further investigations revealed that two additional women had come forward to report that Cheeseman had indecently assaulted them between 1983 and 1985.
These assaults involved inappropriate touching and kissing at an address in Grimsby, and all victims were under the age of 13 at the time.
Cheeseman pleaded guilty to four separate offences related to these incidents, which caused profound and lasting harm.
Prosecutor Michele Stuart-Lofthouse presented the court with impact statements from the victims, illustrating the deep and enduring trauma inflicted by Cheeseman’s actions.
One woman expressed her regret at not having children, citing her fear that her experiences would be passed on.
She described her life as marked by feelings of worthlessness and the lasting scars of the abuse, which she said would never leave her.
"I will never see a child’s first tooth or see them at a prom.
I will never get to experience being a mother," she stated.
Another victim detailed the physical, sexual, and emotional toll the abuse had taken on her.
She recounted her fear of Cheeseman, her subsequent depression, and her struggles with anxiety that led to three nervous breakdowns, forcing her to give up her career.
She emphasized that the ripple effects of her trauma would continue to affect her for the rest of her life.
Both women called for the harshest possible sentences to serve as a deterrent to others with similar tendencies.
Defense barrister Benjamin Donnell expressed remorse on behalf of Cheeseman, stating that his client felt “abject horror” at his own actions.
Donnell acknowledged Cheeseman’s recognition of his paedophilic tendencies and his research into medical procedures to try to control his urges, describing his behavior as both evil and harmful.
It was also revealed that Cheeseman planned to relocate to another area upon his release from prison.
Judge Fanning, addressing Cheeseman directly, condemned his actions, stating, “You knew it was wrong but you chose to do it anyway.” He described the victims as being “trapped in their childhood which had never left them,” and labeled Cheeseman an “opportunistic pervert” who displayed “disgusting conduct.” As part of his sentence, Cheeseman was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order, prohibiting him from contacting the victims directly or indirectly.
The judge also offered a heartfelt apology to the victims in court, acknowledging the pain and suffering they endured and expressing regret that they had to relive their trauma during the proceedings.
