RICHARD LAWMAN FROM RUSHEN FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS AT NORTHAMPTON CROWN COURT

In a significant legal development, Richard Lawman, a 66-year-old resident of Fern Road, Rushen, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses following a five-day trial at Northampton Crown Court. The jury deliberated for approximately four and a half hours before returning guilty verdicts on all seven counts against him, which included three counts of indecency with a child, three counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecent assault on a child.

Throughout the proceedings, Lawman maintained a stoic demeanor in the courtroom, showing no visible emotion as the jury foreman announced the verdicts. The case centered around allegations made by a mother and her daughter, both of whom provided detailed testimonies that painted a disturbing picture of abuse. The mother, after discovering a note from her daughter indicating a failed suicide attempt and revealing details of the sexual attacks, decided to report the incidents to the police. This evidence was pivotal in bringing the case to trial.

During the trial, Lawman dismissed the accusations, claiming that the victims had fabricated their claims. Despite his denial, the evidence presented by the victims was compelling and led to his conviction. The daughter and the mother both testified against him, providing detailed accounts of the assaults. The mother’s testimony was particularly impactful, as it was prompted by her discovery of her daughter’s note.

It was also revealed during the proceedings that Lawman had a prior conviction for indecent exposure dating back to 1978. He claimed that this previous conviction was based on a mistaken identity, but he ultimately pleaded guilty to the charge. His wife, who was not present at the court hearing, provided evidence on his behalf. She expressed her belief in his innocence, citing his Christian faith as a reason for her conviction that he could not have committed the offenses.

Following the verdict, Lawman was remanded into custody, but he was granted a week of freedom to make arrangements for his wife, who has difficulty walking. He is scheduled to be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined. The case has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the impact on the victims and their families.