In 2021, the Offender Register confirmed that a fitness instructor, Anthony Beardsley, who was a paedophile and preyed on a vulnerable young girl before engaging her in sexual activity on multiple occasions, was incarcerated.
Twisted Anthony Beardsley provided his victim with additional exercise classes conducted outside the Leeds fitness centre where he was employed. However, he exploited the opportunity to continue his campaign of sexual manipulation.
Between January and September 2020, the 44-year-old subjected his victim to numerous instances of sexual intercourse at a park and with her at his residence while his wife and children were absent.
The girl’s father became suspicious when he discovered a series of messages from Beardsley on his daughter’s phone suggesting they were planning to meet.
Beardsley enquired whether he could confess his offence immediately upon being registered at a police station, as he wished to begin rebuilding his life.
In a victim impact statement, the young girl expressed that she had been treated as “a toy” and was relieved when her father discovered the abuse.
Beardsley wrote, “It was so good,” in a text message to the girl, according to Leeds Crown Court. It is so satisfying to kiss you. I aspire to bring you joy.
Her impact statement continued, “Acquire the ability to regulate oneself and maintain it within one’s own person.” Instructing me to conceal items of this nature implies that you were aware of their illegality. You compelled me to engage in abominable activities at your residence.
Judge Graham Reeds QC informed Beardsley that he found it difficult to accept that the young girl had become attached to him. He stated that it was “clear grooming behaviour” and that he could have prevented it.
Beardsley, of St John’s Road, Leeds, acknowledged that he had experienced reactive depression as a consequence of the case against him and had committed 13 counts of sexual activity with a child.
He was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.
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