GEORGE BRIDGE'S HARSH PRISON SENTENCE REDUCED IN FARNWORTH CASE

In a significant legal development, Geoffrey Bridge, a 72-year-old resident of Lightwood Close in Farnworth, has seen his previously imposed indefinite prison sentence for serious sexual offenses reduced to a fixed term of eight years. The case, which garnered considerable attention, involved the grooming and repeated abuse of a young girl, with the court acknowledging the severity of his actions but ultimately deciding that his original sentence was excessively harsh.

Bridge was convicted at Preston Crown Court last June after admitting to multiple charges of sexual and indecent assault against the young girl, who was only 10 years old at the time of the abuse. The court heard that Bridge, a pensioner, targeted the girl over a period of time, subjecting her to a series of humiliating and degrading acts. His actions left a lasting impact on the victim, who only came forward years later, as an adult, after her boyfriend discovered a lewd message Bridge had left on her Facebook profile.

Mr. Justice Underhill, delivering the judgment, acknowledged the profound effect of Bridge’s crimes on his victim. However, he also noted that the victim did not report the abuse until many years later, which complicated the sentencing process. As part of his sentence, Bridge was also issued a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from contacting minors and from accessing Facebook and similar social media platforms.

Bridge’s legal team challenged the severity of his sentence, arguing that an indefinite term was excessive given his age. The appeal was heard in London before a panel comprising Mr. Justice Underhill, Lord Justice Gross, and Mrs. Justice Dobbs. The judges agreed that while Bridge had indeed groomed and targeted his victim, the use of an indefinite sentence was not justified in this case, as such measures are typically reserved for the most dangerous offenders.

In their ruling, the judges stated, “This was a difficult sentencing exercise, but we don’t believe that this is a case in which the draconian sanction of an indefinite sentence was necessary.” Consequently, Bridge’s sentence was reduced to eight years, with the understanding that he will serve half of this term before becoming eligible for release on licence. Upon release, he will be subject to strict monitoring and community supervision to prevent any further offenses.