ANDREW LISTER FROM BRIGHTLINGSEA ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON CHILD

In December 2014, a disturbing case involving Andrew Lister, a 74-year-old man from Brightlingsea, came to light, revealing serious allegations of child sexual abuse that spanned several decades. Lister was accused of repeatedly assaulting a four-year-old girl, with the offences occurring during the 1970s. Despite the gravity of these allegations, Lister was ultimately spared immediate imprisonment, a decision that has sparked considerable public and legal debate.

Andrew Lister, who resides at John King Court on High Street in Brightlingsea, faced charges that included five counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency with a child. The charges detailed acts of sexual misconduct where Lister engaged in sexual acts with the young girl and also forced her to perform sexual acts on him. The case was brought before Chelmsford Crown Court, where the prosecution, led by Marc Brown, outlined that police had been informed of these historic offences in November of the previous year. Following initial investigations, Lister admitted to the allegations earlier this year, acknowledging his involvement in the crimes.

During the court proceedings, it was noted that Lister, who is frail and suffering from various health issues, had only recently been released from hospital on the Monday prior to the hearing. He chose not to speak during the proceedings, and his physical condition was evident. His defense lawyer, Frank O’Toole, emphasized Lister’s acceptance of responsibility, stating, “He accepts without question the facts presented by the prosecution. He accepts what he did was wrong and is disgusted. He said he must have been mad and was in the wrong. He said God is punishing him with ill health.”

Physically, Lister is significantly impaired. He is blind in one eye, partially sighted in the other, suffers from regular seizures, and is paralyzed on part of his left side. These health issues played a role in the judge’s sentencing decision. Judge Patricia Lynch QC described the offences as “appalling, outrageous and horrible,” emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed against a vulnerable child. She acknowledged the difficulty in sentencing Lister, noting that if the offences had been recent, her starting point would have been a four-year prison term. However, considering his frail health, lack of recent offences since 1980, and his admissions, she opted for a suspended sentence.

Judge Lynch explained, “You are a man of frail health. You made the best admissions you could. You also have multiple disabilities. You were a man of good character. If I send you to prison, the likelihood is you will die soon and some would say that is what you deserve. But, as a judge, I do not do what the public want but what the public understand. This is an unusual course. It is not because I feel sorry for you, I don’t feel sorry for you at all, it is because I have considered all the facts in this case.”

As part of her ruling, the judge also ordered Lister to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. The case has raised questions about justice, sentencing, and the protection of vulnerable children, with many expressing concern over the decision to suspend the prison sentence given the nature of the crimes committed.