GARY SEDDON FROM ST HELENS SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In January 2014, a man from St Helens was sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of multiple sexual offences involving minors. Gary Seddon, who resides on Eldon Close in St Helens, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court where he faced a jury and the presiding judge, Judge David Aubrey QC. During the proceedings, Seddon was visibly emotional, tears streaming down his face as the judge detailed the horrific nature of the abuse inflicted upon a young girl over several years.

Judge Aubrey stated, “I am told you are a broken man. She is a broken woman as a result of what you did,” emphasizing the profound and lasting impact of Seddon’s actions. Despite denying the charges initially, Seddon was found guilty after a trial on seven counts of sexual assault. He was acquitted of attempting to rape the victim and also cleared of five other charges involving a different girl, who was between nine and thirteen years old at the time of the alleged offences.

The court heard that Seddon’s abuse of the primary victim began when she was just 13 years old. It was only after several years that she finally confided in the authorities about her ordeal. The judge questioned the character references provided for Seddon, noting that the individuals who wrote them might have reconsidered if they had read the victim’s impact statement, in which she described losing her childhood and innocence due to his actions.

Defense lawyer Tom Fitzpatrick highlighted that Seddon has been suffering from depression, which worsened after the offences came to light. He also mentioned that Seddon had been hospitalized while on remand, indicating the mental health struggles he faces. This case marks Seddon’s first experience with imprisonment, as he has no prior criminal record.

As part of his sentence, Seddon was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was also subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to prevent further harm. The court’s decision underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the lasting consequences for the victims involved.