Paedophile Receives 14-Year Sentence for Grooming and Abusing Young Boys
A serial sex offender from Hull has been handed a substantial prison term after being convicted of a series of horrific child sexual offences. Martin Tidder, aged 36, of Brazil Street in Hull, was found guilty by a jury on February 4th, following a trial at Hull Crown Court. The court heard harrowing details of how Tidder targeted three young boys, causing what was described as "catastrophic" and "seismic" harm to his victims.
Disturbing Details of Grooming and Abuse Emerge in Court
During the proceedings, prosecutor David Godfrey outlined the severe impact of Tidder's actions, with one victim labelling the abuse as "disgustingly destructive." Another condemned Tidder's "selfish and manipulative behaviour," which led to serious emotional damage, while a third stated it had a "massive effect" on his life. A key feature of the case was the grooming process, where Tidder took deliberate steps to prevent the boys from reporting the abuse to authorities.
Mr Godfrey revealed that Tidder "liked little boys" and had shown "cartoon pornography" to two of the victims to pique their interest before subjecting them to sexual activity. He described how Tidder used the boys as a "vehicle" to "exercise those sorts of desires." Despite denying all allegations during the trial, Tidder was convicted on multiple counts, including four counts of rape, five counts of assaulting a boy by touching, four counts of causing or inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual assault of a child.
Courtroom Behaviour and Sentencing
Tidder, who had been on bail during the trial, was frequently observed laughing and joking on the court concourse and outside the building during breaks. One victim noted that Tidder had been "laughing throughout the whole case." However, his demeanour changed dramatically at the sentencing hearing, where he showed no signs of amusement as he received his 14-year prison sentence.
Mitigating, Julia Baggs acknowledged the gravity of the offences, stating, "The defendant was convicted after a trial and there is little that can be said in the circumstances." She added that the crimes "clearly had an impact on everyone." Tidder, who previously worked full-time and had some support from acquaintances, will serve an extended licence period of one year upon release and must sign the sex offenders register for life.
Emotional Aftermath and Victim Statements
As Tidder was led from the secure dock to the cells, he stumbled and fell face-first onto the floor, requiring assistance from a custody officer. The public gallery and adjacent area were filled with people connected to the victims, and applause erupted twice as the hearing concluded.
In a statement released by Humberside Police, one victim expressed the profound psychological toll of the abuse, saying, "Martin made me feel complicit without understanding what was happening or why it was bad, and I had to compartmentalise." He added, "It’s as though I always knew, even then, how wrong it was, but without the developed mind and emotional understanding to know how to cope with it."
The victim also shared a message of hope and solidarity, stating, "Some men never share their abuse, some reveal it on their deathbed, I want to change that. I want to stand by those boys and tell them it is okay to speak out." He concluded by thanking his family, friends, DC Rebecca Davison, the judge, and the jury, expressing a wish to "buy you all a thousand pints."
This case underscores the devastating impact of sexual abuse on young victims and highlights the importance of reporting such crimes to ensure justice is served.
