Ex-Charity Volunteer Sentenced for Child Rape

A former charity volunteer, John Bridgewood, 71, of Church Lane, Scredington, near Sleaford, has been handed a sentence of 13 and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to nine sexual offences, including the rape of an under-age schoolgirl and sexual activity with a child. Lincoln Crown Court was informed that the abuse commenced in 2015 and continued for approximately five years until it was reported to police in December 2021. Judge James House KC heard that the victim continues to “suffer flashbacks and nightmares, and no longer trusted anyone.” At the time the abuse occurred, Bridgewood was working as a Red Cross volunteer, but the court was told that the offending “was not connected to his position.” When delivering the sentence, the judge remarked that the pensioner’s previous good character held limited weight in a case of such gravity. In addition to his custodial sentence, Bridgewood was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. A restraining order was also issued to prevent him from having any contact with the victim. In a victim impact statement, which was read out during the hearing on Friday, the girl described how Bridgewood “took away my innocence, he asked me to keep it a secret.” The court noted that Bridgewood had no previous convictions and gave no comment during a police interview. John McNally, mitigating on behalf of Bridgewood, stated that his client’s guilty pleas had spared the victim from having to give evidence at court. “He took an important step in recognising what he had done,” Mr. McNally said. Bridgewood had been happily married for 48 years. “His wife does not know how she will cope,” Mr. McNally added.