87-year-old male from Leominster, found guilty of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13

[Hereford Voice]

On Wednesday 9th April 2025, a two-day trial took place at Worcester Crown Court concerning Mr James BIDDLE an 87-year-old male from the LEOMINSTER, HEREFORDSHIRE area, after he was charged by police for sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 years old.

Mr BIDDLE had been attending his local COOP store in Leominster, to conduct some grocery shopping on Saturday 6th APRIL 2024 as part of his usual routine. Whilst in the store, Mr BIDDLE observed a 4-year-old girl with her parents also shopping in front of him and proceeded to make his way down the aisle, where he came to a stop directly behind them, both with their backs towards him.

Mr BIDDLE, who is not known to the young girl or the family, then intentionally leant over his mobility chair and pinched the underneath of the bottom of the young girl, over her clothing. With little time to react, the girl started to turn and walk away with her father to leave the aisle, when Mr BIDDLE, removed the glove from his hand and pinched the young girl once again under her bottom.

The girl notified her parents of what happened, and the police were called.

PC Laura STOBBART, officer in the case, investigated the incident and successfully gained a charge after seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

At Worcester Crown Court, the jury unanimously found Mr BIDDLE guilty of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13 years old.

The Judge sentenced Mr BIDDLE to 3 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, to be placed on the sex offenders register and to pay costs of £500.

After the trial, PC STOBBART commented “ I wish to commend the victim in this case who showed incredible tenacity, strength, and courage to speak up to her parents and police.

We also must recognise the bravery of her parents who have worked closely with the police during this difficult process to help investigate and detect this case.

During the incident, the defendant was located and arrested in a timely manner and we hope that this and the outcome at court will demonstrate to the public how seriously such a crime is taken by West Mercia Police and that we want to do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice and stop young women being subject to such a horrible crime”.