PAUL WADDINGHAM SENTENCED TO 27 YEARS FOR ABUSE IN BELCHFORD AND BRADFORD

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Belchford and Bradford, Paul Waddingham, aged 62, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 27 years after being convicted of a series of heinous crimes involving three young boys. The conviction came after a detailed week-long trial at Bradford Crown Court, where Waddingham faced a jury that found him guilty on 15 separate charges, including buggery and indecent assault.

Throughout the proceedings, Waddingham, who was previously residing in Bradford but now lives on Dams Way in Belchford, Lincolnshire, remained in custody. He failed to appear in court for the trial, and during the sentencing, he was led away in silence, supporting himself with a metal crutch, showing no visible emotion. His demeanor contrasted sharply with the gravity of the crimes he was convicted of.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, the Recorder of Bradford, described the case as “utterly horrendous” and one of the most deeply upsetting he had encountered in his judicial career. The judge emphasized the brutality and sadistic nature of Waddingham’s actions, which spanned from the early 1990s to the early 2000s. The jury’s verdict confirmed his guilt on four counts of buggery, eight counts of indecent assault, and three additional offences.

The judge praised the bravery of the three young victims who had to relive their traumatic experiences during the court proceedings. “This was a campaign, boy after boy, of relentless sadism,” Judge Durham Hall stated. He detailed the horrific methods Waddingham used to abuse his victims, including forcing them to clip his toenails with their teeth, making them watch disturbing horror films, striking them repeatedly with his knuckles, and even throwing darts at them.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Durham Hall expressed doubt that Waddingham, who suffers from health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, and bowel cancer, would ever be released from prison. The judge acknowledged the profound impact on the victims, describing one as having called Waddingham “evil.” “The three men have had their lives ruined, although they have done their best to overcome the deep psychological scarring at your hands,” he added.

Waddingham’s legal representative, Lesley Manley, noted his poor health but chose not to request a medical report or an adjournment. The judge also issued a lifelong restraining order, prohibiting Waddingham from contacting the victims, and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The case has left a lasting scar on the communities of Belchford and Bradford, highlighting the devastating effects of such predatory behavior.