RICHARD SZABO'S SHOCKING BRADFORD AND WIGAN CHILD ABUSE CASE DELAYED FOR FOUR YEARS
In a disturbing case that highlights significant flaws in the justice system, Richard Szabo, a 55-year-old man from Wigan, was convicted of sexually abusing a teenage girl in Bradford.The incident took place in June 2017, but it was only in March 2021 that Szabo's case finally reached the magistrates court, a delay that has been described as a 'disgrace' by the presiding judge.
According to court proceedings, Szabo was caught in the act of abusing the young girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
During police interviews, Szabo initially claimed he would admit to his actions if the police were called.
However, when questioned by officers, he remained silent, offering no response to their inquiries.
This silence appeared to be a deliberate choice to prolong the process and cause additional distress to his victim.
Judge Andrew Hatton expressed his frustration over the lengthy delay, criticizing the police and judicial procedures that contributed to the four-year gap between the initial incident and the court hearing.
He pointed out that the police had sent a letter, known as a postal requisition, to Szabo on March 19, 2020, instructing him to attend court.
This letter was sent just four days before the country went into its first COVID-19 lockdown, which further complicated proceedings.
The judge emphasized that the police needed time to conduct scientific investigations, including analysis of bedding and electronic devices such as Szabo’s mobile phone, due to his initial refusal to admit guilt.
Despite the case finally being brought before the magistrates court in March 2021, Szabo did not plead guilty at that stage.
It was only during his first appearance at the Crown Court last month that he admitted to the offence of sexual activity with a child.
Judge Hatton remarked on the emotional toll this delay had taken on the victim, stating, “It is only at that point, four years less two months later, that your victim realized she would not have to attend court and give her account of what happened to her that night.
I can only imagine the anxiety she has experienced over the last four years.” Szabo, who resides at Appleton Court in Wigan, was ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison.
However, the judge made it clear that the lengthy delay in bringing the case to court had compromised the justice that could be served.
He described the delay as “extraordinary” and “a disgrace,” criticizing the police for taking an inordinate amount of time to send the case file to the Crown Prosecution Service and to issue the postal requisition.
As part of his sentence, Szabo will be registered as a sex offender for the next ten years and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.
The case underscores the importance of timely justice in cases of child abuse and raises concerns about procedural delays that can cause additional trauma to victims.
