2004: PARTNERS JAILED FOR SEX ABUSE
John Mumford, aged 50, told the female victim that his actions were for her 'own good' and gave her £70 after he had groped her and pressed his body against hers.Meanwhile, Ronald Nelder, his 69-year-old partner in a window cleaning business, paid her £20 following a sexual act performed in the bath.
Additionally, Mumford subjected a child to punishment using a shoe and a cane, and struck another child with a sign.
Judge David Matthews condemned Mumford as 'a cruel bully' who failed to comprehend the gravity of his behavior when questioned for a pre-sentence report.
He stated that the woman, now in her twenties, had been significantly harmed by the abuse.
Mumford, from Neville Close, Redditch, was sentenced to three years and three months in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years.
His license upon release was extended to four years, meaning he could serve this period if he reoffended.
The judge addressed Nelder, a grandfather: "Your family has been shattered by the disclosure of how you treated this girl.
For your own sexual gratification, you took advantage of her in a disgraceful manner." Nelder, residing on Lowlands Lane, Redditch, was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment and also required to register as a sex offender for ten years.
Prosecutor Michael Anning revealed that Mumford had assaulted the girl between 1994 and 1997, and suggested that he may have taken nude photographs of her.
Nelder invited the victim into his home and asked her to perform a sex act on him in the bath, during which he also molested her.
This abusive conduct persisted for a year.
Both men handed over cash to the girl, and Mumford promised her an additional £50.
A pre-sentence report indicated that Mumford's inappropriate behavior was motivated by an interest in pornography.
His defense lawyer, Rashpal Mondair, explained that Mumford bought magazines from newsagents that were not explicit or involving children.
He added that Mumford’s actions were linked to marital issues and that he, a father of four, now felt ashamed.
Regarding Nelder, Peter Haynes stated that the pensioner was immobile and infirm, posing no future threat to the public; his arrest in May was a shock.
Nelder told police that the girl had advanced sexual experience beyond her years.
Mumford admitted to three counts of indecent assault and two counts of child cruelty, while Nelder pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault.
