BURTONWOOD PENSIONER DONALD CASSIDY SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR SEX OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In June 2014, Donald Cassidy, a 70-year-old pensioner from Burtonwood, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple sex offenses against a seven-year-old girl.

Cassidy was convicted at Chester Crown Court of 11 counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. The court was told that he targeted his young victim when she was just seven years old.

Most of the abuse occurred in the garage of his former residence in Burtonwood, with another incident taking place on Gorsey Lane, Burtonwood, where Cassidy took the girl to see horses in a field.

The abuse began in 1974 and continued over a period of seven years.

DCI Paul Beauchamp commented on the case, stating, “Cassidy preyed on the vulnerability of his young victim for his own sexual gratification. He betrayed her trust and the trust of her family. What happened during that period will stay with the victim for the rest of her life.

She has had to live with the memory of what he has done,” he added. “She has been incredibly brave throughout the case and was forced to relive the incidents during the trial. I would like to thank the victim for her willingness to stand up to her attacker and see him brought to justice.

Today’s guilty verdict will hopefully help bring a measure of closure for her and her family.”

The police emphasized their commitment to addressing all allegations of sexual offenses, regardless of when they occurred. “Cheshire Police takes all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously—no matter how long ago they took place,” Beauchamp continued. “Victims of non-recent sexual offenses can come forward with confidence. We want to reassure victims that we are dedicated to tackling this crime and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”

The force has a specialized rape unit with officers trained to support victims and witnesses throughout investigations. “The victim in this case is receiving the appropriate support to help her come to terms with what has happened,” Beauchamp added.

He concluded, “I hope that this sentence—and the bravery and courage shown by the victim—encourage others who may have suffered in silence to come forward.”