PATRICK COSTELLO SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN DERBYSHIRE
A pensioner from Derbyshire has been handed a five-year prison sentence after being found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed against three young girls.The crimes, which spanned over two decades, involved disturbing acts of abuse and exploitation, with the youngest victim being just 11 years old at the time.
Patrick Costello, aged 68, residing on Sun Street in the village of Woodville, faced charges in Derby Crown Court.
The court heard that he was accused of a total of 13 offences, of which he contested 10.
The trial was emotionally taxing for the victims, as they were compelled to relive their traumatic experiences during testimony, providing crucial evidence that contributed to the jury’s verdict.
The court ultimately convicted Costello of all ten charges presented, which included multiple counts of gross indecency with a girl under 16, engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 17, and voyeurism.
The evidence presented depicted a pattern of predatory behavior, with Costello repeatedly committing acts of gross indecency while the victims were asleep.
The severity of the case was compounded by the discovery that he had also secretly filmed one of the girls while she was showering and watched her change clothes in her bedroom.
Further disturbing details emerged around Costello’s voyeurism, which extended beyond the initial victims.
When another girl, who had since become an adult, moved into her own home, he continued his voyeuristic behavior by watching her in the shower.
These actions showcase a disturbing obsession with invading the privacy of the victims across different periods and settings.
Behind the scenes, it was revealed that Costello had previously admitted to making indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme animal pornography.
His criminal activities were not limited to recent years; his first known offence dates back to 1992, with the latest incident occurring in 2016.
The sentence was handed down on 18 May at Derby Crown Court.
In addition to his incarceration, Costello was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He was also subjected to a notification requirement, which mandates him to inform authorities upon release from prison, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.
Detective Staff Investigator Lindsey Scribbins, who led the investigation, expressed her pride in the courage shown by the victims.
She stated, 'I am so proud of the courageous and dignified way in which the three women affected by Costello’s crimes have conducted themselves during this investigation and subsequent trial.' She further emphasized the heinous nature of Costello’s actions, describing his offending as predatory, premeditated, and repeated—all committed against vulnerable young girls at the most helpless moments of their lives.
Detective Scribbins issued a message to anyone who might be suffering from similar abuse, whether in the past or present: 'If you have been affected by sexual abuse or violence, please come forward and speak to the police.
We are here to listen, support, and believe you.' This case underscores that even offences committed many years ago can lead to conviction, encouraging survivors to seek justice regardless of how much time has passed.
Overall, this investigation and subsequent conviction serve as a stark reminder of the importance of taking allegations seriously and standing against abuse in all its forms.
