A Blackpool couple are currently on trial for multiple accusations of historical child abuse against a number of children. The alleged abuse is said to span decades, consisting of several different types of physical and sexual abuse towards children. The ex-wife of the husband to the accused couple is also on trial.
Peter Garsden, Head of Abuse Claims, explains the case.
The Accused
The defendants are Derek Jessop, 74, and his wife Malee Kadram, 39.
Derek Jessop has been accused of three separate rapes and one attempted rape, as well as 10 indecent assaults. Jessop’s current wife, Malee Kadram, faces accusations of indecency with a child and a case of indecent assault.
Derek Jessop’s ex-wife, Lesley Jessop, also stands accused of two charges of indecent assault against a 15 year old boy.
All three defendants deny the charges.
The Trial So Far
The trial is centred on a series of alleged instances of historic child sexual abuse, ranging from the 1960s to 2004, the jury was told. In total, eight Blackpool children are said to have been victims of the abuse.
Derek Jessop, Malee Kadram and Lesley Jessop all claim they are being targeted maliciously, and that these accusations are financially motivated.
It was revealed by Paul Brookwell, the prosecuting barrister in the case, that Derek Jessop’s alleged victims were young girls, aged 4 to 12.
It is currently expected that this trial will last up to six weeks before a verdict is given.
Peter Comments:
“This case, sadly, is typical of the type of sex offence cases currently going through our courts. The accused deny the offence, which obliges the victims/survivors to go through the ordeal of what happened in evidence. This will inevitably cause stress, and trigger memories from the past, which will, in itself, magnify any psychological symptoms from which they already suffer.” Thankfully, all survivors of abuse in childhood, even though they are now adults, are regarded by the law as vulnerable witnesses, and are thus entitled to not only witness support from Independent Advisors, but also special measures in Court such as screens to shield them from the alleged abuser. Let us hope that the experience is as pain free as the law can provide for them.”
Have You Been A Victim Of Historic Child Abuse?
If you have been abused in the past, it is of the upmost importance you speak up. A successful abuse claim may not repair the damage of what was done to you, but compensation can help you build towards a better future, or pay for private healthcare counselling that could benefit you.
Contact a member of our Abuse Law team today, either on our freephone number 0800 260 5002 or by using our enquiry form. Our expert solicitors understand the sensitivity of issues such as abuse and will endeavour to get you the best possible result in your case.
