JOHN BRECKON FROM BRIDLINGTON: HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE VICTIM'S NIGHTMARE NEIGHBOUR

In August 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving a man named John Breckon, whose actions have left a lasting scar on a young woman from Bridlington, East Yorkshire. The victim, Demi, now 18, bravely recounted her harrowing experience of abuse at the hands of her neighbor, a man she once trusted and who later moved into the house directly opposite her family home.

According to Demi, her ordeal began when she was just 13 years old. She was babysitting Breckon’s daughter after school, a task she initially took on willingly, as she enjoyed caring for children and refused payment, feeling it was the right thing to do. Breckon, then 52, was a family friend and a familiar face in the neighborhood. He was married to Karen, a nurse, and the couple had a young daughter. The family was known to Demi’s family, as her mother, Angela, was friends with Breckon’s mother, who lived nearby.

Over time, Demi developed a close relationship with Breckon, often looking after his daughter while he and his wife worked on renovating his late mother’s house, which was situated opposite Demi’s family home. Demi described Breckon as a father figure, especially after her parents’ separation, and she often stayed overnight at their house when Karen was on night shifts. During this period, Breckon began to buy her gifts—initially small items like GHD hair straighteners and jewelry, but eventually escalating to larger sums of money, such as £300 withdrawn from his bank account.

However, the relationship took a sinister turn. Demi recounted an incident where Breckon invited her for a run outside the town. During their rest on the grass, he leaned over to kiss her. She remembered feeling confused and uncomfortable, especially when he quickly looked away after attempting to kiss her when a passerby with a dog approached. When she questioned him about his intentions, he admitted he had wanted to kiss her. Demi, who was only 13 at the time, was not attracted to him and was more interested in children than boys her age. The incident marked the beginning of a prolonged period of abuse, with Breckon grooming her while his wife was working night shifts.

Despite the abuse, Demi did not initially report it. She was afraid and unsure, but her concerns grew when she realized her younger sister might also be at risk. Eventually, she confided in a teacher, which led to police involvement. After approximately six months of suffering, Breckon was arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual activity with a child. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Following his release, Breckon moved into the house left to him by his late mother, situated in Bridlington. Shockingly, this house was directly across the street from Demi’s family home. Demi described her horror upon seeing him again: “He was outside his house, looking straight at me and smiling.” She recounted her devastation, feeling that although he had served his sentence, he had returned to his old life and was free to mock her from across the street. Despite her and her mother’s efforts to seek help from local police and social services, they were told there was little that could be done to prevent him from living nearby.

As a result, Demi was forced to relocate to a new residence far from her childhood home. Yet, she emphasized that her life remains deeply affected by the trauma inflicted by Breckon. She shared her ongoing struggles with severe anxiety and depression, for which she is now on medication. Her aspirations to attend college and train as a social worker are currently out of reach due to her mental health issues. Demi described her daily life as a constant battle with panic attacks, especially when she is outside or around strangers, which has left her virtually housebound.

She also revealed that she recently married her partner, but her condition makes it difficult for her to leave the house alone. Demi expressed her belief that there should be a lifetime ban preventing convicted paedophiles from living near their victims, criticizing the fact that Breckon has been able to resume his life while she continues to suffer.

Regarding Breckon’s current situation, his wife Karen, 49, stated, “He is entitled to live where he wants.” Meanwhile, Breckon remains a figure of fear and trauma for Demi, whose life has been irrevocably changed by his actions and subsequent return to the neighborhood.