JAMES SIDDELL

Two brothers responsible for a prolonged campaign of deception to evade justice in a child sexual abuse case have been imprisoned, thanks to the diligent efforts of a detective from Leicestershire.

John and James Siddell received sentences totaling over 17 years at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday, 12 May, after authorities uncovered their intricate scheme of falsehoods spanning several years.

Over a period of more than four years, the brothers went to great lengths to mislead law enforcement about John's health.

Their goal was to prevent John from being prosecuted for multiple sexual offenses involving three young boys.

Their falsehoods were exposed through the investigative work of Detective Constable Matt Gibson, who became suspicious after meeting the brothers in April 2024.

Collaborating with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), police conducted an extensive inquiry, collecting significant evidence including CCTV footage.

These recordings showed John walking, speaking, and socializing during court-mandated appointments, despite claims of severe incapacitation.

In September 2022, both brothers pleaded guilty and admitted to obstructing justice.

James Siddell, aged 44 from Ashington, Northumberland, was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison.

John Siddell, 41, also from Ashington, received a sentence of 15 years—comprising 3 years and 2 months for obstructing justice and 11 years and 10 months for the 15 child sex offenses.

He is also subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Gibson stated, “This case illustrates how far some offenders will go to avoid accountability.

The brothers' manipulation was sustained over years, but persistent investigation allowed us to uncover the truth.” **Investigation Timeline** In June 2021, police reports emerged regarding multiple child sexual offenses committed by John Siddell against three boys aged 8, 10, and 13, between May 2018 and June 2021.

Despite interviews in mid-2021, John refused to answer questions; meanwhile, James claimed John’s health issues prevented him from having committed the crimes.

During this period, the brothers relocated from Leicestershire to Northumberland.

In June 2022, following an in-depth investigation by DC Gibson and CPS prosecutor Nicola Potts, John was formally charged with 17 offenses.

Throughout the trial preparations, the brothers attempted to manipulate medical professionals and the justice system, falsely asserting John had various physical and psychological conditions, including claiming he had suffered a stroke.

Close to his court appearance in February 2023, James obtained a doctor’s letter alleging John was unfit to travel.

In March 2023, John missed a court assessment alleging a mini-stroke.

Psychiatric evaluations in April and June 2023 concluded John was unfit to stand trial, as he displayed complete muteness and immobility during assessments.

Despite this, evidence suggested John was actively socializing and attending events, such as a tribute night to Elvis Presley, shortly before being ruled unfit for trial.

Further evidence from CCTV and photographs revealed John walking and interacting with others shortly after his assessments, exposing the extent of his deception.

In July 2024, police arrested both brothers for perverting the course of justice.

Body-worn camera footage showed John in a staged, unresponsive state, despite evidence of him trying to mask his awareness.

James continued to support the false narrative during police interviews.

Both men faced charges and court appearances, with John again feigning unresponsiveness at subsequent hearings, though his social activities contradicted this portrayal.

They were remanded in custody until their trial.

In September 2023, the brothers pled guilty to perverting justice, with John also admitting to the child sex offenses.

Detective Gibson highlighted the years-long fight for justice and condemned the deception, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation.

John Siddell’s convictions include five counts of sexual assault, five counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of inciting a child to participate in sexual acts.