A 52-year-old paedophile who claimed he accidentally clicked on child pornography websites has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison. Richard Mawdsley, of Heather Bank, Burnley, was found guilty of 12 counts of child sexual abuse at Preston Crown Court on June 24, 2026.
Hidden cameras used to abuse victim
The investigation began in December 2020 when Lancashire Police received a rape allegation from a then-teenage girl. During the inquiry, officers discovered indecent images on Mawdsley’s phone, including footage taken with hidden cameras. They also found evidence that he had searched for child pornography sites.
In his police interview, Mawdsley attempted to excuse his actions by claiming he may have clicked on the websites accidentally. However, the evidence against him was overwhelming.
Jury convicts on multiple charges
Mawdsley pleaded guilty to eight offences but denied the others. A jury convicted him of 12 counts of child sexual abuse, including sexual activity with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, voyeurism, and making an indecent image of a child.
DS Amy Tattersall of Lancashire Police’s Vulnerable Adult team said: “Mawdsley targeted his victim in a calculated and predatory manner, installing hidden cameras and retaining indecent images of children on his phone. His actions clearly demonstrate that he is a paedophile.”
Sentence and protective orders
At Preston Crown Court on June 24, 2026, Mawdsley received a 12-and-a-half-year sentence: eight years and six months in prison, plus a further four years on extended licence. The court also imposed a 25-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order.
DS Tattersall praised the victim’s bravery: “Despite the trauma that the victim experienced, she has shown incredible bravery and courage throughout this process. I hope that she can now move forward with her life, knowing that she was believed and that the offender has been brought to justice.”
Police urge victims to come forward
Lancashire Police encouraged other victims of sexual offences to report crimes. “I would also urge anyone who may be a victim of a sexual offence to come forward, whether by reporting it to us or by speaking to someone they trust. We will do everything we can to support you and pursue justice,” DS Tattersall added.
