Young Accrington sex fiend set for hospital (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Young Accrington sex fiend set for hospital

2:57pm Thursday 29th November 2012 in Hyndburn By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

A YOUNG sex fiend who approached young boys and exposed himself looks set to be detained in a secure hospital.

Peter Gudgeon, 21, made sexual advances to young boys in parks, including a 12-year-old with learning difficulties, in 2010.

He was given a three-year community order by a judge in December of that year and placed under a five-year sexual offences prevention order.

But earlier this year he came to the attention of police again, for similar behaviour, and was arrested, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Gudgeon, formerly of College Court, Accrington, pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, in relation to the May incident.

He has now been assessed by two psychiatrists at Calderstones Hospital, who recommend he is detained under the Mental Health Act.

A 12-week hospital order has been imposed on Gudgeon by Judge Simon Newell, who said he was satisfied with the experts’ evidence.

Judge Newell said: “In light of what I have read about you, and your background, and having regard to the nature of the offence, it seems to me that the appropriate way forward is an interim hospital order.”

The court heard that the doctors had diagnosed Gudgeon, who has learning difficulties, with a mental disorder relating to his sexual behaviour. He will now be assessed by medical experts before it is decided whether he should receive a permanent order.

The parents of his 12-year-old victim in 2010, who ran home in tears after being approached by Gudgeon, had supported efforts to offer him help.

But his mother was worried if he was freed to offend again.

Gudgeon was also given a reprimand aged 15 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy.