Abuser's Fake Disability Foiled by CCTV

A child abuser, John Siddell, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after faking a disability to avoid justice. Siddell was found guilty of sexually assaulting three boys between 2018 and 2021. Initially, his brother James Siddell claimed John was unfit to stand trial due to an inability to walk or talk, supported by psychiatric reports. However, CCTV footage revealed John attending social clubs and watching football matches, directly contradicting his claimed immobility.

The jury found John guilty in a fact-finding hearing in March 2024. Despite further evidence of his deception, including being filmed walking and climbing stairs, the brothers continued their attempts to mislead the court. James Siddell was instrumental in maintaining the façade. Both brothers admitted to perverting the course of justice. John received 15 years, with an extended two-year license period, while James was sentenced to two years and nine months.