DEBORAH MUGRIDGE FROM CLEVELEYS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the community of Cleveleys and the wider Lancashire area, Deborah Mugridge, a 38-year-old woman, was sentenced to over ten years in prison for heinous sexual offenses involving two young children. The sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court, where Mugridge pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecency with a child, along with two additional serious sexual offences.

Details of the case revealed that Mugridge, who at the time had no fixed address, had engaged in a series of disturbing acts against the children, which she committed for her own sexual gratification. The court heard that her actions had inflicted significant trauma on the young victims, with the girl revealing that she had been threatened with death if she disclosed the abuse. The children’s statements to police painted a disturbing picture of manipulation and coercion, with Mugridge making them participate in various sexual activities.

Further complicating the case was Mugridge’s attempt to evade justice. It was disclosed that in 2000, while on bail, she purchased a one-way ticket to Gran Canaria, a move that indicated her attempt to escape the consequences of her actions. She was eventually apprehended by Spanish authorities last year, bringing her back to face justice in the UK.

Judge Pamela Badley, who presided over the case, sentenced Mugridge to a total of 10 years and eight months behind bars. She also ordered her to be placed on the sex offenders register for life, emphasizing the severity of her crimes. The judge remarked that Mugridge’s motives appeared to be solely for her own sexual satisfaction and expressed her inability to understand why Mugridge had committed such offenses.

During the proceedings, the defense attorney, Nick Courtney, highlighted that Mugridge’s guilty pleas had spared the children from the ordeal of testifying in court. He also noted that Mugridge had been struggling with substance abuse issues, including crack cocaine and alcohol, around the time of the offenses, which may have contributed to her behavior. Mugridge expressed deep remorse, stating she was 'thoroughly ashamed' of her actions.

The victim impact statement from the young boy conveyed a sense of justice, with the child asserting that Mugridge deserved her punishment. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Cleveleys, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from such predatory behavior.