A PAEDOPHILE who is already serving time for a string of vile offences has again appeared in front of a judge.

Joseph Tracey Swindlehurst, of Darwen, admitted he had subjected an eight-year-old boy to months of sexual and physical abuse by beating and raping him.

During sentencing for the offences, it was heard how Swindlehurst’s late wife was also heavily involved in the abuse.

The 62-year-old will now serve a further 16 years on top of a seven-year sentence which was imposed upon him in 2018 after he pleaded guilty to historical offences on four girls and a boy.

The new term of imprisonment, which is comprised of 11 years in custody with a further five on licence, will run consecutively with the original term, meaning he is now two years into a total 23-year sentence.

Addressing the defendant at Preston Crown Court, his Honour Judge David Potter said: “Around you, Joseph Tracey Swindlehurst, there are arranged the many lives shattered by your criminal behaviour over the years.

“Four women and a man were abused sexually by you when they were under the age of 14. You were between the age of 14 and 24.

“In December 2019 following guilty pleas, you received a total sentence of seven years and three months and you are currently serving that sentence.

“To that long list of people you sexually abused, there must now sadly be added another name.

“You and your late wife, began using the child as a sexual plaything. You forced him into degrading, humiliating and painful acts of sexual violence, many done in the presence of and with the active encouragement of your late wife for your mutual perverted sexual gratification.

“By way of example, he was held down by your wife while you raped him. He was beaten into submission by being hit to the kidneys, ribs and stomach.

“That abuse both physical and sexual and the long years that intervened before he could summon the courage to speak to the police have had a devastating, profound and life-changing effect on him.”

Judge Potter told the court that these latest offences showed a ‘substantial increase’ in the offending that Swindlehurst had already been sentence for and as such, the new term of imprisonment must run after the one already being served.

He added: “You acted together with your wife. Had she still been alive she would have been prosecuted as an aider and abettor to rape. This was a gross misuse of trust.

“The offence is aggravated by the repeated nature of the attacks committed on at least six occasions, the targeting of a particularly vulnerable child and your previous convictions for child sexual offences.

“The sentence is mitigated by the present state of your health. Having been born with disabilities as a result of your mother taking thalidomide when she was pregnant you are now a wheel-chair user.”

Deeming Swindlehurst, of Melbourne Street, a dangerous offender, Judge Potter added: “Your victim will never be able to let go of the trauma. These proceedings coming to an end provide some closure. But I am satisfied he will be damaged for life as a result of what you did to him.”

DC Rubina Akoo of Lancashire Police East Division said: “We welcome Swindlehurst’s additional sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offences he committed.

“I would also like to thank and praise the bravery of the victim who has come forward and bravely given evidence."

“I hope the sentence can now give him some closure and justice.

“I would also encourage any victims of unreported sexual offences, whether recent or non-recent, to come forward and contact the police. All reports are treated with the upmost sensitivity and confidentiality. We will thoroughly investigate any reports and bring those responsible to justice.”