Man jailed for sexual offences against child
An investigation started in 2020
A man has been jailed, for a string of sexual offences against a child.
Richard Mawdsley was sentenced at Preston Crown Court yesterday (24th June)
In December 2020, police were made aware of an allegation of rape by a then teenage girl.
An investigation began and a dedicated team examined Mawdsley’s phone. Officers uncovered a number of indecent images on it, including some taken by cameras he had hidden.
They also found evidence of Mawdsley searching for child pornography sites. In his interview, he attempted to say that he may have clicked on the website by accident.
Mawdsley, 52, of Heather Bank, Burnley, was charged.
He pleaded guilty to eight offences, but denied the others he was charged with.
After a trial, a jury found him guilty of a further 12 offences.
In total, he was convicted of:
Four counts of sexual activity with a child
Four counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity
Two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
Three counts of voyeurism
Seven counts of making an indecent image of a child
He was given a 12 and a half year sentence, comprising of eight years and six months in prison and a further four years on extended license. He was also given a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order.
Detective Sargeant Amy Tattersall, of the Vulnerable Adult team said: “Mawdsley targeted his victim in a calculated and predatory manner, installing hidden cameras and retaining indecent images of children on his phone. His actions clearly demonstrate that he is a paedophile.
"Despite the trauma that the victim experienced, she has shown incredible bravery and courage throughout this process. I hope that she can now move forward with her life, knowing that she was believed and that the offender has been brought to justice.
"I would also urge anyone who may be a victim of a sexual offence to come forward, whether by reporting it to us or by speaking to someone they trust. We will do everything we can to support you and pursue justice."