BERNARD LITTLEWOOD FROM BRIGG SENTENCED AGAIN FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SCAWBY AND TADCASTER

In a significant development in ongoing child protection cases, Bernard Littlewood, a 74-year-old former assessment centre manager from Brigg, has been sentenced to an additional four years in prison after being convicted of further sexual offences. Littlewood, who previously served an 11-year sentence for crimes committed against 14 children, has now been found guilty of abusing another young boy, with allegations dating back to the 1980s.

The recent conviction stems from a trial at Grimsby Crown Court, where the jury deliberated on charges that included seven counts of indecent assault and one serious sexual offence. Littlewood, who resides on Colton Street in Brigg, vehemently denied all seven counts of indecency and the additional serious sexual offence. Despite his denials, the court found him guilty of four out of five charges related to a 15-year-old victim, with the verdict reaching a majority of 10 to 2.

The offences against the young boy, who was 10 and 13 at the time of the alleged incidents, took place at the former Scawby Grove centre, a facility once operated by Humberside County Council. Littlewood had held positions as assistant manager and later as the centre’s manager. The centre was designated as an observation and assessment facility, primarily serving young people referred through criminal, family, and social services agencies. The building has since been closed and is no longer used for such purposes.

Originally, Littlewood was sentenced in May 2002 to 13 years in prison for sexual abuse and cruelty offences linked to both Scawby Grove and the nearby St Camillus Roman Catholic Community Home School near Tadcaster. His sentence was later reduced to 11 years following an appeal. The charges against him involved a pattern of sexual misconduct and cruelty, with the prosecution, led by Caroline Wigin, describing Littlewood as having a clear predilection for abusing boys. The court heard that the environment at the centre was characterized by 'extreme discipline,' which created an atmosphere where victims felt unsafe and unable to disclose their abuse, fearing they would not be believed.

During the trial, Littlewood’s defence lawyer, Mark Barlow, maintained his client’s innocence, asserting that Littlewood denied all allegations and convictions, claiming he never took the opportunity to abuse anyone. However, Judge Roger Thomas QC emphasized the breach of trust involved, noting that Littlewood, who was supposed to care for vulnerable young people, instead exploited his position to commit heinous acts. The judge highlighted that the 15-year-old victim, who was at the centre in the 1980s, suffered severe consequences, including substance abuse and psychological issues, as a result of the abuse.

Judge Thomas described the case as a clear example of escalation from grooming to sexual exploitation, underscoring the profound impact on the victim’s adult life. As part of his ongoing obligations, Littlewood will be required to register as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the court’s commitment to public safety. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding vulnerable children, especially within institutions entrusted with their care.