COLIN LUNN'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN BRIDLINGTON: 13-YEAR SENTENCE FOR CHILD ABUSE AND SEX OFFENSES
In a case that has shocked the community of Bridlington, Colin Lunn, a 43-year-old man with a disturbing history of abuse, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years for a series of heinous crimes committed over a span of nearly two decades.The crimes involved the systematic molestation and physical assault of four children, with Lunn’s actions spanning from the late 1990s into 2016.
Despite multiple investigations by police and social services—nine in total—Lunn managed to evade justice for many years.
His home in Bessingby Gate, Bridlington, was equipped with hidden cameras installed in various rooms, including the bathroom, bedrooms, toilet, and hallways.
These devices were linked to a CCTV recorder, suggesting premeditation and a disturbing level of planning in his abuse.
During a ten-day trial at Hull Crown Court, Lunn, who is known to have struggled with alcoholism, claimed to be a victim of a vendetta by social services.
However, the jury found him guilty on multiple counts, including 11 charges related to four victims.
The court convicted him of four counts of indecent assault, two counts of indecency with a child, and one count of attempted serious sexual assault.
Additionally, he was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child, performing sexual acts in the presence of a child, and sexual assault.
He was acquitted of two other sex offenses involving a fifth child.
Throughout the proceedings, Lunn remained impassive in the dock, showing no remorse.
The judge presiding over the case remarked that he detected no signs of regret, criticizing Lunn’s defense for blaming others and criticizing social services without considering the impact on his victims.
The judge emphasized that the severity of the crimes warranted a long sentence.
The first victim, now an adult, testified about the lasting damage caused by Lunn’s abuse.
He stated, “It has ruined my life.
I don’t cuddle up to my daughter because I am scared it might be seen the wrong way.
If I see an advert on TV about child abuse, it gets me down.” This man, who twice participated in vigilante attacks on Lunn despite police warnings, was among those who expressed their anger openly in court.
During one attack, he was heard shouting, “Die!
Paedo Die!” as he struck Lunn with a spade and rake.
In the courtroom, Lunn’s current partner was visibly distressed, weeping in the public gallery before storming out.
Victims and their families found some solace in each other’s company as they listened to impact statements describing the profound emotional scars left by Lunn’s actions.
The women victims recounted feelings of distrust towards men, anger, and hatred that continue to affect their lives.
The abuse began with young boys who initially fought to resist Lunn’s advances.
One mother, whose son was victimized, criticized the police for their handling of the case, saying, “The police did not do their jobs right.
They did not photograph them and asked the same question five times.
I swore at them.
He (Lunn) should never have been walking the streets.
No one has helped us.” Further allegations revealed that Lunn also sexually assaulted two girls and a woman.
Despite these serious accusations, he never faced charges related to the social services investigations, although he threatened to bomb the Humberside Social Services headquarters, claiming they were targeting him unfairly.
During his trial, Lunn claimed, “They threatened me and were going through my file with a fine tooth comb.
It was a vendetta.
Social Services are not going to give up on me until I am convicted or dead.” Police records showed a pattern of neglect, with files lost and interviews with child victims not conducted properly.
Cases against Lunn were repeatedly dropped, and no convictions for sexual offenses existed prior to this trial.
His criminal record included convictions for drink-driving, possession of a knife, and cannabis possession, but he had no previous convictions for sexual crimes.
Lunn admitted to becoming an alcoholic, a condition he linked to a loveless marriage.
His first wife died from a drug and alcohol overdose, and she had provided police with a statement against him before her death.
Ultimately, the court’s verdict and sentencing reflect the gravity of Lunn’s crimes and the failure of authorities to prevent his long-standing abuse.
The community of Bridlington will undoubtedly be affected by this case for years to come, as the victims seek some measure of justice and healing from the trauma inflicted upon them.
