MICHAEL BEDSON FROM NELSON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN BURNLEY
In December 2000, a man named Michael Bedson, aged 53, was sentenced to a three-year prison term at Burnley Crown Court after being convicted of serious child abuse offenses.The court heard harrowing details of how Bedson had exploited a young boy over a period of four years, during which he paid the child £2 each time and instructed him to keep the abuse a secret.
The victim, who is now an adult, had not recognized at the time that what was happening to him was wrong, believing it to be normal behavior.
Further disturbing revelations emerged during the proceedings, including that Bedson had also exposed himself and engaged in a sexual act on himself in front of a girl.
However, the court was informed that he did not physically touch her.
These acts added to the gravity of his offenses, which spanned from approximately 15 to 20 years prior.
When the allegations surfaced last year, Bedson was reported to have attempted to take his own life.
He was described as being depressed and overwhelmed by guilt.
During the sentencing, Judge Raymond Bennett expressed his deep concern about the prevalence of such crimes, questioning how much more child abuse might be occurring unnoticed by the justice system.
The judge emphasized the insidious nature of child abuse, noting that victims often do not realize their experiences are abnormal until they reach adulthood, and that it is a common misconception for victims to blame themselves.
Judge Bennett stated, “Normally, every victim blames themselves but it is quite wrong.” Bedson, who resides on New Oxford Street in Nelson, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault committed between 15 and 20 years ago, as well as one count of gross indecency.
The case was committed for sentencing by the magistrates of Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale.
Notably, Bedson had no prior criminal convictions.
During the hearing, Dennis Watson, representing Bedson, explained that his client had been suffering from a depressive illness, which was triggered by the shock of the allegations coming to light.
On the day he was confronted with the accusations, Bedson attempted to end his life by swallowing two types of pills and was hospitalized for two days.
Watson described Bedson as feeling profound shame and disgust over his past actions, which had led him to become withdrawn, lose interest in activities he once enjoyed, and suffer from sleep disturbances and loss of appetite.
He further noted that Bedson was prescribed sleeping pills and antidepressants, and that his health was fragile.
Watson emphasized that Bedson was struggling to cope with the prospect of imprisonment at his age, especially given the nature of his offenses.
The defense lawyer concluded by stating that Bedson’s remorse was genuine, and that his client had asked him to publicly express his sincere apologies and regret for the harm caused to his victims many years ago.
