ANDREW BRADSHAW SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS IN PRISON IN WIRRAL

In June 2014, Andrew Bradshaw, a notorious and persistent sex offender, was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison after assaulting a schoolgirl in Wirral. The court imposed a sentence of seven years imprisonment along with a two-year extended license period. Judge Alan Conrad, QC, stated, "Your record shows you are a prolific and determined sexual offender, in particular against girls of school age." Liverpool Crown Court was told that on November 14 of the previous year, 46-year-old Bradshaw parked his vehicle near a pathway in Bidston, taking advantage of the time when schoolchildren were heading home. He monitored the area, then exited his car and followed a young girl walking past. Judge Conrad recounted, "You decided to take advantage of the fact it was the time of day that school girls would be on their way home. You parked up and lay in wait on a quiet residential road and there you saw your victim walking past. You got out of your car and followed her down the path and subjected her to a frightening and distressing sexual assault." After the girl started screaming and pushed him away, Bradshaw, a painter and decorator residing on Hoole Way, Chester, fled to his black Peugeot 106 and drove to a house in Chester where he was working at the time, attempting to establish an alibi. Bradshaw denied the charges of sexual assault and breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, but a jury found him guilty. The court noted that he has prior convictions from 2002 and last year for indecent exposure, and he was previously jailed for seven years in 2004 for indecently assaulting six women and girls. He also has a conviction for possessing extreme pornographic material. Victoria Killeen, defending, explained that Bradshaw, who is required to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, had been dropping off his daughter when the incident occurred, describing the offence as an opportunistic act committed during a narrow window of opportunity. Detective Constable Andy Cullen commented, "Bradshaw committed despicable offences against his young victim, and it is commendable that she found the courage to report her ordeal. Her bravery in coming forward led to justice. Bradshaw now faces seven years behind bars to reflect on the torment he caused and the enduring impact on her and her family. Hopefully, this sentence provides her and her loved ones some closure." The investigation involved thorough work by officers, and Cullen expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the process. Additionally, in March 2013, Bradshaw, then 44, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment after admitting to exposing himself to two girls in Ellesmere Port, further cementing his pattern of predatory behavior. During the incidents, at 4.45 pm and 5.40 pm respectively, he was seen performing sexual acts in front of two 13-year-old girls and later two younger girls aged nine and 11. Further evidence led to a search of his Chester home and identification by witnesses. His earlier convictions include a 2004 jail term for indecent assault and a 2012 conviction for possession of extreme pornography involving bestiality. On top of his recent jail term, Bradshaw remains on the Sex Offenders Register for life and faces additional legal restrictions, including a sexual offences prevention order and disqualification from working with children, especially considering he is a father to a 15-year-old girl.