Former charity volunteer jailed for child rape

A former charity volunteer, who raped an under-age schoolgirl, has been jailed for 13 and a half years.

John Bridgewood, 71, of Church Lane, Scredington, near Sleaford, pleaded guilty to nine sexual offences including rape and sexual activity with a child.

Lincoln Crown Court heard the abuse began in 2015 and continued for about five years until it was reported to police in December 2021.

Judge James House KC was told how the victim continued to "suffer flashbacks and nightmares, and no longer trusted anyone".

At the time of the abuse, Bridgewood was working as a Red Cross volunteer but the court heard the offending "was not connected to his position".

Passing sentence, the judge said the pensioner's previous good character was of 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 made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

A restraining order was also made to prevent him from having any contact with the victim.

In a victim impact statement, 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 heard Bridgewood had no previous convictions and gave no comment during a police interview.

John McNally, mitigating for Bridgewood, said his guilty pleas had spared the victim giving evidence at court.

"He took an important step in recognising what he had done," he said.

Bridgewood had been happily married for 48 years.

"His wife does not know how she will cope," added Mr McNally.

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