ROBERT PEDDER FROM SOUTHPORT SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEX ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, 71-year-old Robert Pedder, a resident of Southport, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving young girls. The sentencing took place at Liverpool Crown Court, where Judge Brian Lewis described Pedder's actions as a "disgraceful catalogue of sexual abuse," highlighting the severity and depravity of the crimes committed.

Pedder had pleaded guilty to four charges of indecent assault and eight counts of indecency with a child. The court was informed that the abuse occurred over a period spanning from October 1991 to October 1998. The victims, now aged 18, were children at the time of the offenses, with ages ranging from as young as four or five up to nine or twelve. The prosecutor, Paul Becker, detailed the disturbing nature of the abuse, revealing that Pedder had assaulted the girls and coerced them into performing sexual acts on each other.

According to Mr. Becker, Pedder justified his actions to the victims by claiming that he was acting because he was not receiving sexual satisfaction from his wife. This explanation was part of the evidence presented during the trial, which painted a picture of calculated and predatory behavior.

It was also noted that Pedder had no previous criminal convictions prior to these offenses. Despite his guilty pleas to the charges, he had maintained his innocence on four counts of rape involving the same victims, as well as one additional charge of sexual assault. These particular charges were ordered to lie on the file, meaning they would not be pursued further in court.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Lewis ordered Pedder to register as a sex offender indefinitely, emphasizing the ongoing risk he poses to the community. Furthermore, Pedder was prohibited from having any contact with girls under the age of 16, a restriction aimed at preventing any future harm.

Addressing Pedder directly, Judge Lewis condemned his actions, stating, "What has been disclosed to the court is a disgraceful catalogue of sexual abuse of very young children." The case underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable minors from predatory individuals within society.