A BRAVE victim of historical sexual abuse has called on others who are suffering to speak out after her abuser was jailed for 30 months.

The 37-year-old victim has revealed her heartbreaking story in the hope that others will take courage from the outcome.

John Beardmore, aged 69, of Thorn Leigh, Hull, was sentenced to 30 months in prison at Chester Crown Court on July 23 after pleading guilty to five counts of gross indecency with a child while living in Warrington.

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she feels relieved that she can now close the door on that part of her life.

She said: "I did not attend the sentencing as I did not want to see him.

"I feel a bit of closure and relief but I also feel annoyed as he has only been sentenced to 30 months.

"He could be out by October next year on good behaviour."

The abuse first started when the victim was aged seven or eight when Beardmore would encourage her to touch him.

This stopped when she turned aged 13.

She said: "I decided to come forward to help my mental state more than anything. 

"I have struggled with depression since high school for obvious reasons.

"I had seen a few councillors and I kept bringing it up but I kept trying to push it away."

But after years of heartache, she agreed to speak to the police in May 2014.
While she acknowledges that it was a difficult and emotional process she added that it was one worth enduring.

She said: "By far it is one of the hardest things I have had to do.

"I would say the hardest part is giving your statement because you have to go back and relive it all but I do think it’s worth doing. 

"They shouldn’t be allowed to get away with what they have done and, by coming forward, it’s stopping them from doing it to anyone else.

"I wish I’d come forward a lot sooner."

Beardmore was involved with a number of charities while living in Warrington including Samaritans.