Former school lollipop man, 52, jailed for sex assaults on girls

Ian Middleton, 52, invited the girls behind the counter of his sweet shop where he carried out assaults against them, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

He even bought one girl revealing underwear for Valentine’s Day and another lingerie for Christmas.

The court was told Middleton assaulted eight girls aged from nine to 13 at his shop, Waddie’s, in Penistone, near Barnsley.

Middleton was also employed by Barnsley Council on a school crossing patrol in the town where he regularly came into contact with children.

He took bags of sweets for pupils at the start of school holidays and wore a Father Christmas outfit in December.

Middleton, who also ran a pub in the town, abused the girls in a number of ways, Sarah Wright, prosecuting, told the court.

He started running the sweet shop in August 2007 and lived on the premises with his wife and children.

The court heard Middleton invited two girls into the living accommodation for a hot chocolate and pushed a 13-year-old onto the bed and lay on top of her.

Her 11-year-old friend kicked him and Middleton got off and they ran away.

Ms Wright said on later visits he abused both girls.

The 13-year-old said it happened about 20 times.

Other girls came forward when the police became involved after the older girl’s mother reported Middleton’s behaviour.

Two nine-year-olds told how Middleton had touched them and another 13-year-old said she had also been a victim.

Ms Wright said an eight-year-old girl told police Middleton tried to kiss and touch her and a 15-year-old girl also came forward to say she had been assaulted at the shop.

Middleton was arrested on February 16 last year.

He initially denied all the offences.

Ms Wright said: “It is clear that the defendant’s behaviour has had a profound effect on each of the girls including a marked change in behaviour, anxiety and wariness.” She said the girls’ parents had also been left devastated as none had any idea what was going on and locals regarded Middleton as a helpful member of the community.

Middleton, of Green Road, Penistone, who appeared at the back of the courtroom in a wheelchair, admitted 13 charges of sexual assault and three charges of sexual activity with children.

He denied four further sex charges and they were ordered to lie on file.

Michael Rawlinson, for Middleton, said he had now come to terms with the fact he had a problem with young children.

Until it was solved Middleton’s future was going to be “very bleak”.

Judge Simon Lawler said the sexual abuse was “persistent” against some of the girls and “spasmodic” against others.

He went on: “Your perverted conduct for your own sexual gratification and to fulfil your fantasies involved a gross abuse of trust of each of these girls.”

The judge said he took advantage of his business as a “front” for his behaviour and the girls were encouraged and groomed to a degree.

Middleton was jailed for seven years and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

When he is released from jail, Middleton will be barred from any un-supervised contact with children.