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Former BBC presenters found guilty of sexually assaulting underage boys

Couple convicted of outraging public decency by having sex in woodland

Matthew Cooper
Friday 09 June 2017 13:28 BST
Julie Wadsworth and her husband told Warwick Crown Court they engaged in or watched sex acts in an area of parkland but claimed 'young men' were involved
Julie Wadsworth and her husband told Warwick Crown Court they engaged in or watched sex acts in an area of parkland but claimed 'young men' were involved

Two former BBC radio presenters have been convicted of indecently assaulting under-age boys and outraging public decency by having sex in woodland.

Husband-and-wife Tony and Julie Wadsworth were found guilty by a majority verdict of encouraging a string of boys, including a teenager looking for a golf ball, to take part in sexual activity in Warwickshire between 1992 and 1996.

Ms Wadsworth, 60, and her 69-year-old husband told Warwick Crown Court they engaged in or watched sex acts in an area of parkland but claimed “young men” were involved.

Ms Wadsworth was convicted by majority 10-2 verdicts of nine indecent assaults and five counts of outraging decency after a three-week trial.

Her husband, who acted as a "look-out" during sexual activity involving his wife and a total of six youngsters, was found guilty of the same charges, also by majority verdicts.

As the verdicts were returned, Mrs Wadsworth - who was cleared of indecently assaulting one of the victims at her home - repeatedly gulped, swayed in the dock and wiped away tears with a black tissue.

Tony Wadsworth showed little emotion and handed a mobile phone to a solicitor before the couple were remanded in custody for sentencing later today.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “The Wadsworth’s behaviour has been exposed for what it is – child sexual abuse.

“Julie Wadsworth’s fatuous claim in court that she was a victim in this case is insulting. The true victims were young boys who were repeatedly encouraged to engage in illegal sexual activity.

“We commend their bravery in coming forward. They have shown that victims will be listened to no matter how long has passed or who their abusers were and we urge other victims of past abuse to do the same.”

Press Association

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