NICK LIDSTONE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN BARRINGTON AND CAMBRIDGESHIRE: POLICE OFFICER'S SENTENCE INCREASED AFTER SHOCKING SEX OFFENSES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Barrington and the wider Cambridgeshire area, Nick Lidstone, a former police officer, has seen his prison sentence significantly extended following a series of heinous sexual offenses. The 56-year-old, who once served as a sergeant with Cambridgeshire Police, was initially convicted of multiple crimes involving a single victim, with the court now ordering that he serve a total of 20 years behind bars, an increase of five and a half years from his original sentence.

His original sentencing took place at Norwich Crown Court in December, where he was handed a 14-and-a-half-year term. However, the Court of Appeal in London, after reviewing the case, deemed that the punishment was unduly lenient given the severity of his crimes. Lady Justice Macur, presiding over the appeal, emphasized the gravity of Lidstone’s misconduct, stating, “This offender’s status in society as a serving police officer was a position which he abused.” She further described his actions as “what can only be described as the most horrendous sexual offending,” highlighting the betrayal of trust inherent in his role.

It was revealed that Lidstone, a resident of Heslerton Way in Barrington, had committed these crimes over a period that spanned several years. The victim endured a prolonged and traumatic ordeal, which culminated in being raped as an adult. The court heard that Lidstone had admitted to a series of rapes and child sex attacks related to this victim, with the abuse beginning when she was just nine years old. The victim’s suffering was compounded by the fact that Lidstone was dismissed from his position after 30 years of service at the police headquarters, and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life by the court.

Back in December 2014, Lidstone was sentenced to 14-and-a-half years after admitting to the crimes. The court was told that he had previously been arrested eight years earlier for taking “up-skirt” photographs of children using a spy camera. Despite this earlier arrest, Lidstone was only given a conditional discharge in 2005, a decision that allowed him to continue working as a police officer without being placed on the sex offenders’ register. Judge Anthony Bate criticized this decision, expressing concern that the failure to charge him under the sexual offences legislation at that time allowed him to persist in his misconduct undetected.

During the sentencing, the judge highlighted the disturbing nature of Lidstone’s prior conviction, which involved taking photographs of children with a covert camera. The court was told that the abuse escalated over time, leading to the more serious offenses for which he was now convicted. Despite undergoing therapy to address his sexual deviancy, Lidstone continued to abuse his victim, causing her significant psychological harm. His guilty plea in November this year included 13 counts, such as three counts of rape, three counts of indecency with a child, various sexual assaults, and taking indecent photographs of a child. He denied six other charges, which were left on file.

Prosecutor Andrew Shaw detailed the extent of the abuse, revealing that Lidstone began grooming the girl when she was just nine years old. His methods included exposing himself, showing her pornography, and taking indecent photographs. The abuse was described as “more or less continuous,” culminating in rape when she reached adulthood. The victim was unable to give a statement in court due to the distress caused by recalling her trauma, while witnesses described how her life had been “ruined” by the ordeal.

During the proceedings, Lidstone, dressed in a black suit, was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears as the details of his crimes were read aloud. His defense argued that he was “infatuated” and that, with professional help, he posed no further danger to the public. The court acknowledged his cooperation with therapy but noted that his manipulative tendencies had allowed him to deceive experts into believing he led an ordinary life.

Following his arrest and guilty plea, Lidstone was dismissed from the police force, ending a 30-year career. Deputy Chief Constable Alec Wood condemned his actions, describing the crimes as “appalling” and emphasizing the prolonged suffering inflicted on his victim. The case has raised serious questions about the oversight and handling of previous allegations, especially considering Lidstone’s earlier conviction for taking inappropriate photographs of children.

In summary, the case of Nick Lidstone, the former Cambridgeshire police officer from Barrington, underscores the devastating impact of abuse of authority and the importance of rigorous safeguarding measures within law enforcement. His sentence has now been increased to reflect the heinous nature of his crimes, serving as a stark reminder of the potential for betrayal by those sworn to protect the community.