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Paedophile Faked Illness to Evade Justice
13 May
Summary
- Man faked severe illness and wheelchair use to avoid jail.
- Brothers helped maintain the elaborate deception for years.
- Social media and CCTV exposed the pair's deceitful actions.
John Siddell, 41, was sentenced to 15 years plus a two-year extended sentence for child abuse, while his brother James received two years and nine months for perverting the course of justice. The court determined John had sexually abused three boys under 14 between 2018 and 2021 in Leicestershire.
During the investigation, John Siddell feigned a debilitating illness and the need for a wheelchair. Evidence, including social media posts, phone photos, and CCTV footage, contradicted his claims, showing him walking unaided and engaging in social activities. His brother actively supported this deception, misleading psychiatrists about John's fitness for trial.
Judge Keith Raynor condemned the brothers' actions as "scheming and devious," stating their behavior corrupted the justice system. Despite their elaborate efforts, including faking seizures and feigning inability to hold his head up, a psychiatrist in May 2024 concluded there was no reliable basis for John Siddell being unfit to stand trial. Both brothers have since pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.
