PETER SIPLING FROM BRAGG AND BROUGHTON ESCAPES JUSTICE DESPITE SEXUAL ASSAULTS

In December 2014, Madeline McAndrews from Bragg, Lincolnshire, publicly shared her experience of being sexually assaulted multiple times by Peter Sipling, a 75-year-old man with connections to both Bragg and Broughton. Madeline, who had worked for Sipling at Heron Lodge Kennels in Broughton during the period of the assaults, decided to speak out after witnessing what she perceived as an inadequate legal punishment.

Despite pleading guilty to 11 charges related to her assaults, which spanned over eight years, Sipling was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court to a two-year suspended sentence. This decision meant that he would not serve immediate jail time, a verdict that left Madeline feeling deeply dissatisfied and unsafe. She expressed her concerns about the conditions of his probation, noting that the restrictions placed on his movements were insufficient given the nature of his crimes. Specifically, she pointed out that Sipling was only restricted from leaving his house until dinner, but was free to be out from dinner until midnight, which she believed was unsafe for someone convicted of sexual offenses.

Madeline shared her emotional struggle with feeling secure, emphasizing that knowing Sipling was still free on the streets did not bring her any comfort or sense of justice. She confided in her father about her feelings, and he suggested she contact her local Member of Parliament (MP) to seek further action. This led her to advocate for a review of her case, highlighting the importance of victims having avenues to challenge seemingly lenient sentences.

Her efforts appeared to resonate with others, as she noted that victims generally felt more reassured once the sentence was reconsidered and converted from a suspended sentence to actual jail time. Madeline believes that this process provided closure for many victims and underscores the importance of the legal system allowing cases to be re-evaluated if the initial punishment is deemed too lenient.

Now, with a sense of closure, Madeline feels she can begin to move forward with her life. She is also encouraging others who have experienced similar injustices to stand up and fight for the justice they deserve, emphasizing that victims should not accept inadequate sentences and that there are mechanisms within the justice system to address such concerns.