NEIL MIDDLEHURST BLIND SEX PEST FROM WALLINGTON SENTENCED IN GUILDFORD COURT

In a case that has shocked the local community, Neil Middlehurst, a 46-year-old man from Wallington, was sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault involving teenage girls and women. The incidents took place primarily in Rosebery Park, Epsom, and surrounding areas, revealing a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that exploited his disability to manipulate and victimize innocent victims.

Guildford Crown Court heard detailed accounts of Middlehurst’s offenses, which spanned over several months. The court was informed that in August of the previous year, Middlehurst was seen wandering around Rosebery Park. During this time, he reportedly slipped and fell, prompting concern among several young people present. A group of boys and girls approached to assist him, propping him up against a tree and sitting nearby. It was during this interaction that Middlehurst began to inappropriately touch several 14-year-old girls, stroking their hair and patting their breasts in a manner that was clearly sexual and unwarranted.

One of the boys present was so appalled by Middlehurst’s actions that he swore at him, calling him a “dirty pervert.” Middlehurst responded with a feeble apology, claiming, “Sorry, I can't see what I am doing,” attempting to justify his inappropriate conduct by citing his blindness. Despite this excuse, the court was shown evidence of his further misconduct, which included indecently touching two additional teenage girls before he left the park.

Further investigations revealed that Middlehurst committed three more indecent assaults in Epsom just three weeks later. During these incidents, he targeted women by stopping them on the street and asking for directions. When the women offered to guide him, Middlehurst exploited the opportunity to feel their breasts. On one occasion, he approached a 14-year-old schoolgirl claiming he had fallen and needed assistance to reach the train station. As she helped him, Middlehurst indecently assaulted her, adding to the list of his victims.

When police apprehended Middlehurst, he maintained that he had not intentionally touched any of the girls or women. His defense attorney, Alex Lewis, argued that Middlehurst had lived a largely isolated life with limited female contact, which made it difficult for him to form social relationships. She also mentioned that he suffered from a relapsing mental illness, which was exacerbated by stress, suggesting that his actions were not entirely deliberate.

Judge John Bull, presiding over the case, expressed his concern about the safety of children and women, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior. He sentenced Middlehurst to 12 months in prison, stating, “My duty is to protect children of about the age of puberty as well as help women from your predatory actions. Only a custodial sentence will protect the public from harm.” The judge also ordered that Middlehurst must register his name and address with the police under the Sex Offenders Act for a period of ten years upon his release, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct.

This case highlights the disturbing reality of individuals who exploit their disabilities to commit sexual offenses, and it underscores the importance of vigilance and protective measures within communities like Wallington and Epsom.