A WOMAN fought back tears as she bravely told a judge how a 77-year-old paedophile pervert’s, Edward Addison, sexual assault on her — after she collapsed during a seizure — had left her life in tatters.
Edward Addison appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court today (Friday, December 20) for sentencing. He is one of many Isle of Wight sex offenders to be reported as convicted in 2024. It is suggested that the Isle of Wight has the greatest percentage of sex offenders in its population in the world.
Edward Addison, 77, confessed to sexually abusing the woman on May 10, when she fell into a seizure.
The registered sex offender pleaded guilty to three counts of producing indecent photographs of children, discovered between February 2 and April 14, as well as violating a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).
There were 33 photos, three of which were of the most severe nature.
On May 10, Edward Addison rushed to aid a woman, whom he recognised, after she fainted.
Under the assumption that she was unconscious, Edward Addison chose to exploit the situation by placing his hand on her genitalia and capturing photographs and videos of her private areas instead of providing assistance.
The victim, who had pretended to be unconscious because she “did not know what to do”, reported the assault to police.
When officers asked to inspect his electronic tablet, Addison refused.
However, a probation officer later reported that Addison admitted to having the images on his devices.
Edward Addison eventually provided his PIN number for both devices, and officers found illicit images of children, as well as photos and video of the victim.
The woman bravely told the court how Edward Addison’s actions had left her life in tatters.
She said: “Edward Addison stole a piece of me that day. He stole my identity and took advantage of me while I was in a vulnerable state.”
She now suffers from night terrors and wakes up screaming, and had been so anxious, she barricaded her home using her wheelchair and a step ladder.
Jim Osborne, defending, said Edward Addison had expressed remorse and empathy since.
Judge David Melville described Edward Addison’s offences as disgraceful, astonishing and an abuse of trust.
He also described the victim’s statement as “very moving”.
Edward Addison was imprisoned for 44 months, with a five-year restraining order and a new ten year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
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