Swansea paedophile in 17-year barrage of child abuse
Sunday, March 21, 2010, 12:00
A PENSIONER branded a "filthy paedophile" after being convicted of a barrage of sustained child abuse, which started over 43 years ago, has been jailed for 19 years.
Gordon Brian Redmond was convicted at Lewes Crown Court of 18 indecent assaults against children — including six charges of rape — and one charge of actual bodily harm.
The 72-year-old had already pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault against children.
The sexual offences took place while Redmond, now of Excelsior House, Princess Way, Swansea, was living in Brighton from 1967 to 1984. Seventeen of the charges were sample counts — examples of ongoing behaviour and offences.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a seventh charge of rape, and Judge Michael Lawson QC ordered the charge to lie on file.
Sentencing Redmond, Judge Lawson said no sentence could truly reflect his actions.
"There is no mathematical calculation I can do that can match the harm that you have done with a certain number of years in custody," he said.
"Nor can I undo the damage that has been done or bring peace and comfort to those who have suffered as a result of your selfish behaviour."
Redmond's sentence had to be determined according to the guidelines applicable at the time of the offences — guidelines that Judge Lawson said reflected "an outdated view of serious offences".
Redmond became a strict Jehovah's Witness in the 1970s and moved to a farm in Pontyberem in 1984.
The offence of actual bodily harm took place in November 2006.
Judge Lawson paid tribute to the prosecution witnesses for their courage throughout the trial, particularly Redmond's first victim.
"She has displayed a generosity of spirit throughout this trial that you do not deserve and which you never showed to your victims," he said.
Prior to sentencing, defence barrister Bernard Richmond QC said his client was already enduring terrible punishment for his crimes.
"This rather proud, arrogant, cocky, difficult, bolshy, very full of himself, scary man, who everyone was supposed to look up to and admire, now stands in the dock as someone of very little money, no future, and with a reputation as a filthy paedophile," he said.
"He has been shunned by the Jehovah's Witnesses. His wife, Christine, has been forced to choose between her faith and her husband, and has chosen her faith."
Before the verdicts were returned, Judge Lawson had addressed the public gallery, where some of Redmond's victims sat with their families alongside members of Redmond's family.
"You are about to hear verdicts that you have anticipated — or dreaded — for quite some time. Since there are no winners in this case, I would be grateful if you would behave with the same dignity and composure that you have during the course of this trial," he said.
Redmond remained impassive as the verdicts were read out.
Sussex Police began investigating Redmond in January 2007 after being approached by one of his victims. They were immediately aware of four potential victims and further investigations into his past uncovered a fifth.