MYLES BRADBURY SHOCKS HERRINGSWELL AND CAMBRIDGE WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Herringswell and the wider Cambridge area, Dr. Myles Bradbury, a 41-year-old paediatric haematologist, has been found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving vulnerable young boys under his care at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. His crimes, which spanned from 2009 to 2013, included the abuse of 18 boys suffering from serious illnesses such as haemophilia and leukaemia, many of whom were undergoing treatment for life-threatening conditions.

Bradbury, a respected medical professional and active community member, was initially sentenced in December to 22 years in prison after admitting to multiple charges of sexual assault, voyeurism, and possession of over 16,000 indecent images. His actions, however, have now been subject to an appeal, which resulted in a significant reduction of his sentence. The Court of Appeal, comprising Lady Justice Hallett, Mr. Justice Haddon-Cave, and Mr. Justice Goss, has restructured his punishment, decreasing the prison term to 16 years, with an additional six years on licence. Bradbury will be required to serve a minimum of 12 years before being eligible for parole.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Gareth Hawkesworth described Bradbury’s conduct as among the most egregious he had encountered in his judicial career. He emphasized the profound breach of trust and betrayal of the Hippocratic Oath, highlighting that Bradbury’s actions involved a gross violation of the fundamental principles of medical ethics. The judge condemned the deliberate and manipulative nature of Bradbury’s abuse, which targeted children who were already in a vulnerable state due to their illnesses.

Bradbury’s crimes included taking explicit images of his young victims, some of whom had conditions like haemophilia, leukaemia, and other serious health issues. Investigators revealed that he had used a spy pen to film some of the abuse and had engaged in inappropriate examinations that had no medical justification, solely for his own sexual gratification. It was also uncovered that he had used a camera pen to secretly capture images of the boys, amassing over 170,000 images, none of which were classified as indecent at the time of discovery.

The court heard that Bradbury’s misconduct extended over a period of four and a half years, beginning shortly after he took up his post in 2008 and continuing until his suspension in November 2013. The investigation was triggered when concerns were raised about his conduct, and police were alerted after Canadian authorities reported that he had purchased a DVD containing indecent images of children. This led to his arrest in December 2013, as well as a broader inquiry into his activities.

Prosecutor John Farmer described Bradbury as a manipulative individual who exploited the trust placed in him by patients and their families. He detailed how Bradbury’s examinations often went beyond medical necessity, involving inappropriate touching and groping, with some victims being asked to remove their clothes and perform acts such as masturbation under his direction. The abuse was often concealed behind curtains or carried out when parents were present but unaware of the true nature of the examinations.

Victims, many of whom were children with serious health conditions, suffered long-lasting psychological harm. Statements from some of the victims revealed feelings of distrust, anxiety, nightmares, and a sense of betrayal. One young boy with haemophilia expressed his confusion and disgust, stating, “I didn’t think it would happen to me and I feel angry every time I think about it but also relieved it wasn’t just me.” Another victim described how the abuse has left him feeling anxious about seeking medical help in the future.

Bradbury’s defense argued that he had repressed homosexual tendencies during puberty, which might explain his actions. His barrister, Angela Rafferty, acknowledged that Bradbury recognized the reprehensible nature of his conduct and had never sought to justify it. She also noted that he had contributed positively to society through his medical work and community involvement, including volunteering at an orphanage in Swaziland in 2012. However, she conceded that his professional achievements could not mitigate the severity of his crimes.

Living in the picturesque village of Herringswell, Suffolk, Bradbury appeared to be a model citizen—married, a church-goer, and involved in the Scout movement. His community was shocked to learn of his true nature, with neighbors expressing disbelief and sympathy for his wife, who was unaware of his actions. His medical career began after graduating from the University of Birmingham in 1996, and he held various roles before joining Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in 2008. His suspension in November 2013 marked the end of his medical career, following allegations that led to the investigation.

The Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust issued a statement condemning Bradbury’s actions, emphasizing the profound and lasting damage caused to his victims and their families. The trust highlighted how his betrayal had undermined trust in the medical profession, especially among vulnerable children and their parents. They also noted that his misconduct had led to changes in procedures to prevent similar abuses in the future, acknowledging the deep scars left by his betrayal. The community and medical establishment continue to grapple with the fallout from this tragic case, which has shattered the image of a trusted doctor and community figure in Herringswell and beyond.