PAUL SWINDLELLS FROM WINSFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CHESHIRE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Winsford and the wider Cheshire region, Paul Swindells has been sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment following his conviction for heinous crimes involving a young girl. The 46-year-old, a resident of Radcliffe Road in Winsford, was found guilty after a ten-day trial of two counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault committed against a girl who was only 10 years old at the time of the abuse.

Prosecutor Wyn Lloyd-Jones described Swindells as a man who showed no emotion during the proceedings. He emphasized the manipulative tactics used by the defendant, stating, “He was trying to make sure she didn’t make a complaint and said she wouldn’t be believed. He told her if she told anyone he would be arrested if the police got involved.” These threats and intimidation tactics were aimed at silencing the young victim and preventing her from seeking help or justice.

The case came to light in March 2009 when the victim, demonstrating remarkable courage, confided in others about the abuse she had endured. Her bravery prompted an investigation that ultimately led to Swindells’s arrest. The defendant’s defense, led by Kate Lumsdon, attempted to portray Swindells as a respected member of the community who had previously engaged in positive activities, such as organizing a golf tournament for a boy in need of a wheelchair. Lumsdon argued that Swindells’s denial of the allegations was a sign that he could not accept responsibility, asserting, “He arranged a golf tournament for a boy who needed a wheelchair. By denying the offences and continuing very strongly to deny these offences he can’t show remorse because he can’t accept it took place.”

Despite these claims, the court dismissed letters from Swindells’s family protesting his innocence, emphasizing that the conviction was based on compelling evidence. Judge Roger Dutton, presiding over the case at Chester Crown Court, highlighted the severity of the crimes, especially considering the victim’s young age. He stated, “You abused her in the foulest manner, the overall effect on this girl is impossible to judge.”

Judge Dutton also condemned Swindells’s attempt to discredit the victim, noting that he launched a campaign to tarnish her character, falsely portraying her as hysterical and untruthful. The jury, however, rejected these claims, recognizing the truth of the victim’s account. The judge described Swindells as “a man completely devoid of emotion,” pointing out that a probation officer observed him showing no anger or frustration about the allegations, acting instead in a calm, collected manner without remorse.

As a result of his conviction, Swindells was sentenced to an indeterminate term, with a minimum of eight years before he becomes eligible for parole. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and is permanently barred from working with children. Cheshire Police’s DS Brendan Crilley condemned Swindells’s actions, calling him “a devious, selfish and calculating man, who preyed on the vulnerabilities of a young girl for his own gratification.”

Crilley paid tribute to the victim’s bravery, acknowledging the complexity and disturbing nature of the investigation. He emphasized the importance of her courage in bringing the case to justice and expressed hope that her resilience would inspire others to come forward in similar situations.