MAN JAILED FOR 24 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES
UPDATE 03/04/2025: Gerald Ludlam was sentenced to 24 years in prison for sex offences.He died of acute heart failure (caused by ischaemic heart disease and high blood pressure) on 13 February 2025, while a prisoner at HMP The Verne.
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A man named Gerald Ludlam, also known as Toby Ludlam, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for sexually abusing two children.
The case was heard at Exeter Crown Court in December, where Ludlam was convicted of 14 serious sexual offences.
He committed these crimes in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Ludlam, aged 62 and residing in Market Place, described himself as a "hard-drinking and hard-working biker" who believed he had been wrongly accused.
However, the judge labeled him a dangerous paedophile during sentencing on Monday, February 21.
He was ordered to serve an extended three-year period on licence, meaning he will be nearly 90 years old when the full sentence concludes.
The victims, one of whom was as young as four at the time of the assaults, gave heartfelt statements about how his crimes had devastated their lives.
One victim stated, "The abuse I suffered at his hands affected all aspects of my life," adding that as an adult, she struggled to maintain relationships and her mental health had suffered.
The other victim described Ludlam as having "taken away my childhood" and leaving her feeling "broken." Defense lawyer Mr.
Richard Crabb noted that Ludlam had no prior convictions related to similar offenses.
He maintained that Ludlam continued to deny the allegations, stating, "He continues to deny the offences and always will." Crabb explained that Ludlam saw himself as part of a hard-drinking, drug-taking biker culture.
Most of Ludlam’s employment history involved driving or vehicle recovery, and he had also shown interest in antiques.
More recently, Ludlam had been living alone in a flat and had stopped drinking alcohol.
Ludlam was found guilty of charges including indecent assault, indecency with a child, and rape.
Judge Peter Johnson stated: "In December last year, you were convicted of 14 out of 15 counts that represented a campaign of sexual abuse against children." He emphasized that Ludlam’s actions had caused severe psychological and emotional damage to his victims, who felt betrayed and accused of lying when they finally spoke out.
The judge criticized Ludlam’s lack of remorse, noting his continued denials and his nods and head-shaking in court, which indicated he refused to accept responsibility.
Concluding, Judge Johnson declared Ludlam dangerous and imposed an extended sentence.
Ludlam is expected to serve two-thirds of the 24-year term in prison and will remain on licence for a total of 27 years.
The judge noted, "You will be almost 90 when the sentence comes to an end."
