NEWS UPDATE – North Wales children’s home resident jailed for 1970’s abuse!

A 64-year-old man has been given a three-and-a-half year prison sentence for sexual offences against a child committed more than 40 years ago.

Graham Stridgeon, now known as Tony Gordon, from Fleetwood, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and one count of buggery on 10 September 2018 at Mold Crown Court.

This followed an investigation by the National Crime Agency into historic child abuse at children’s homes in North Wales.

Stridgeon and his victim were residents at the Bryn Alyn children’s home in Wrexham at the time of the offences. The abuse took place at the home between June 1973 and December 1974. Stridgeon was several years older than his victim.

On Tuesday 16 October he was sentenced to three years and six months in jail.

NCA investigating officer Andy Sandham said:

“Stridgeon picked on boys who were younger and more vulnerable, pretending he was going to help them.

“The victim has been incredibly brave coming forward all these years later and retelling the abuse he was subjected to.

“Stridgeon probably thought he’d got away with his crimes, but he, and others who committed crimes against children all those years ago, have been brought to justice and I hope their victims can take some comfort in that.”

Operation Pallial, the independent NCA investigation into allegations of past abuse in the care system in North Wales, began in November 2012 at the request of Mark Polin, who was the Chief Constable of North Wales Police.

Stridgeon is the 12th person to be convicted under operation Pallial. There are 4 further trials under Operation Pallial some scheduled for next year.

An NSPCC Cymru spokesperson said:

“Stridgeon took advantage of his victim’s vulnerability in order to carry out appalling sexual assaults.

“Abuse ruins lives and although many years have passed, we hope that Stridgeon’s imprisonment now provides some comfort to the survivor and shows that no stone will go unturned when it comes to investigating past crimes against children.

“It is also thanks to the work of officers within Operation Pallial that Stridgeon was brought to justice.”

Any young person in need of help or advice can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.

Adults concerned about a child’s safety can contact the NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 or nspcc.org.uk.

Both are free, confidential, and open 24/7.

The NSPCC has also relaunched its ‘Talk PANTS’ campaign, which is available in both Welsh and English