2004: Man, 66, jailed for sexual abuse of two children

2004: MAN, 66, JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TWO CHILDREN

2004: Jeffrey Best, aged 66 and from Bolton, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of abusing two children.

After the sentencing, he appeared visibly distressed and needed assistance to sit down in court from a dock officer.

Best, who lives on Riverbank Way in Shirebrook Park, Glossop, was convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court last month of seven counts of indecent assault involving a young boy and girl.

The abuse took place over a period of two months within the Bolton area and was revealed after the girl told her mother that Best had “sexed her.” The boy also disclosed that Best had made inappropriate advances toward him.

During his defense, solicitor Brian Williams said that Best, who had served in the Royal Air Force, continued to deny any culpability.

He highlighted that Best had been employed by the same company for over three decades and was a regular participant in church activities.

His wife was present to support him.

The judge, Brian Duckworth, condemned Best’s actions as “disgraceful” and “quite appalling,” stressing the need for accountability.

Subsequently, Best was ordered to cease working with or having any involvement with children and was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for an indefinite period.