JUSTIN MCFADDEN FROM COLCHESTER SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN EAST ANGLIA

In a case that has shocked the local community of Colchester, Justin McFadden, aged 21, was sentenced to prison for serious breaches of trust involving the indecent assault of children he was entrusted to care for. The incidents, which occurred between March 1995 and June of the previous year, involved young girls aged between six and ten, as well as a 15-year-old girl known to McFadden.

McFadden, who was responsible for supervising children in the Colchester area, was found guilty on three counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency. He was acquitted on seven other charges. The court heard that the offences took place while the children’s parents were away, leaving McFadden alone with the children. The gravity of his actions was underscored by the judge, Benjamin Pearson, who emphasized the importance of protecting society’s most vulnerable members.

During the sentencing, Judge Pearson described McFadden’s conduct as a “grievous breach of trust” and stressed that the courts have a duty to impose sentences that serve as a deterrent to such behavior. “It is the duty of the courts to protect young and vulnerable members of society – particularly children – from behaviour like yours,” the judge stated. He further added, “Courts must reflect the views of society that this type of conduct demands and deserves a deterrent sentence.”

As a result, McFadden was sentenced to three years in prison and was ordered to remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. The court proceedings revealed that McFadden, who was formerly residing on Collingwood Road in Colchester but now has no fixed address, had denied all charges initially. He faced allegations of indecent assault on multiple young girls and a teenage girl he knew personally.

Prosecutor Nicholas Wilcox detailed that the victims included girls aged between six and ten, with additional charges involving a 15-year-old girl. The offences were committed in the Colchester area, and the authorities acted swiftly once the parents discovered what had happened, leading to McFadden’s arrest.

In interviews with police, McFadden maintained his innocence, claiming he had behaved properly while caring for the children and denying any indecent acts. However, the evidence presented in court proved otherwise.

John Cooper, representing McFadden in mitigation, described him as immature and naive, suggesting that his actions were a result of a “total lack of sense.” Cooper also mentioned that McFadden was now willing to participate in a sex offenders’ course, which he hoped would aid in his rehabilitation. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect the community from individuals who commit such violations of trust.