In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that 52-year-old Jeffrey Edgar, a serial predator known for dressing like characters from the TV show Peaky Blinders, was handed a 23-year extended prison sentence for the horrific sexual abuse of three children. Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, the defendant—of Onslow Road, Blackpool, Lancashire—was convicted of 13 counts, including four counts of rape and five counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. It was reported that Edgar’s “vile” campaign of abuse targeted children as young as six and continued for over six years, moving from one victim to another.
The investigation established that Edgar used the threat of violence to keep his victims silent, with one child describing the “daily burden” of maintaining his secret. Lancashire Constabulary reported that the abuse only came to light in 2018 after one of the boys finally confided in a friend. The prosecution reported that Edgar showed a total lack of remorse, even continuing to abuse one victim, aged just 10, while the child was crying and pleading for him to stop.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Edgar was a highly dangerous repeat offender who had previously been jailed for four years in 2001 for sexual offences against a schoolgirl. Preston Crown Court heard that during his earlier sentence, he was refused parole because his attitude toward his victims was deemed inappropriate. The investigation established that despite being labelled “remorseful” by social services in the past, Edgar spent the 2019 trial watching his victims give evidence from the dock, refusing to admit his guilt and forcing them to relive their trauma.
Judge Heather Lloyd presided over the sentencing, where she slammed Edgar for a letter he wrote to the court that showed only “self-pity” rather than empathy for the lives he had destroyed. For his actions in Blackpool, Edgar was given an extended sentence of 23 years with an additional one-year licence period. The judge noted that the jury was unanimous in their verdict, and members of the public gallery sobbed as statements were read detailing how the victims felt their childhoods had been stolen by the “monster” who was a well-known figure in the local community.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Jeffrey Edgar as of March 2026 was as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 23 years (Sentenced 2019; currently serving).
- Extended Licence: 1 year (Total 24-year sentence structure).
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- SHPO Status: Sexual Harm Prevention Order active indefinitely.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Preston Crown Court, following a Lancashire Constabulary investigation.
- Criminal Record: Rape (4 counts); Causing a child to engage in sexual activity (5 counts); Inciting sexual activity (4 counts).
- Origin: Onslow Road, Blackpool, Lancashire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Edgar is managed as a high-risk Category 1 dangerous predator within the Lancashire area. Due to the nature of his conduct, which involved the long-term grooming and rape of multiple children and a history of reoffending after previous incarceration, his management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that his “persistent” offending and ability to hide his true nature behind a popular local persona as the “Blackpool Peaky Blinder” requires the most intensive level of monitoring by the Lancashire Police Public Protection Unit and the National Probation Service.
As a registered sex offender for life, Edgar’s details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that his behaviour demonstrated a depraved disregard for the well-being of children and a total lack of insight into his crimes. Any failure to comply with his notification requirements, any attempt to contact his survivors, or any presence near schools or play areas in Blackpool or Preston upon his eventual release will result in immediate arrest to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and the protection of the public.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.