David Preedy, an 81-year-old paedophile, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually abusing two young boys over more than two decades. The offences took place between August 2001 and December 2024 in Burnley, Lancashire.
Guilty plea after victim came forward
Preedy, formerly of Park Avenue in Burnley, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of sexual abuse in January 2026. The case came to light after one of his victims bravely reported the abuse to police in 2025, triggering a complex investigation by Burnley CID.
At Preston Crown Court on July 3, 2026, Preedy was handed a 10-year custodial sentence. The court heard that he had used the vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification on multiple occasions over 23 years.
Police praise victims' courage
Detective Constable Elley Ormerod, of Burnley CID, commended the victims for coming forward. "First and foremost, I would like to commend the victims in this case. Without their courage, we would not have been able to secure these convictions, and I hope that this lengthy custodial sentence gives them some sense that justice has been done," she said.
DC Ormerod added: "We are committed to making sure those responsible for carrying out sexual abuse like Preedy are held accountable and I hope this gives others who may also have suffered abuse the courage to come forward and speak to us, confident in the knowledge that we will listen, and we will investigate with professionalism and security."
Appeal for other victims
Lancashire Police urged anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to report it. A force spokesperson said: "You should do so knowing you will be believed, you will be listened to, and we will do everything in our power to put the perpetrator before the courts." Reports can be made via local police websites or by calling 101.
