Paedophile who raped, starved and forced children to take hot showers found dead in jail weeks before sentencing

3 February 2023, 16:13 | Updated: 4 February 2023, 01:04

Peadophile Andrew Hadwin found dead in jail before sentencing
Peadophile Andrew Hadwin found dead in jail before sentencing. Picture: Alamy

By Harvey Lindsay

A paedophile who physically abused children, fed them soap and starved them with his partner has been found dead in jail just weeks before his sentencing.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Andrew Hadwin, 39, and Cheryl Pickles, 35, were arrested after forcing hungry children to search for food in supermarket bins, locking them in cupboards and forcing them to take boiling hot showers and baths.

Hadwin was found dead at the beginning of February at HMP Durham, where he was awaiting sentencing on April 28.

"HMP Durham prisoner Andrew Hadwin died on 2 February," the Ministry of Justice said.

"As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate."

Andrew Hadwin, 39 and Cheryl pickles, 35, was arrested after forcing hungry children to search for food in supermarket bins, locking them in cupboards and forcing them to take boiling hot showers and baths
Andrew Hadwin, 39 and Cheryl pickles, 35, was arrested after forcing hungry children to search for food in supermarket bins, locking them in cupboards and forcing them to take boiling hot showers and baths. Picture: Alamy

Read more: Man killed wealthy banking boss after lethal punch when he wrongly accused him of stealing phone

Read more: Wetherspoons announces the closure of 19 pubs in February - with a further 35 up for sale. Is your local on the list?

He was found guilty last month of three counts of rape, seven counts of neglect and one count of perverting the course of justice.

He was cleared of sexual activity with a child.

Pickles was charged with five counts of child cruelty and one count of perverting the course of justice and was found not guilty of sexual activity with a child.

The pair starved children while they ate takeaways in front of them, dunked their heads underwater and made them take hot baths and showers, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The children suffered injuries as a result of the abuse and one child was left with life-limiting injuries.

Detective Constable Kat Pudney, of Durham Constabulary’s Safeguarding Unit, said: "This was an extremely complex and distressing investigation for all involved, the likes of which I have never encountered during my time as a police officer.

“Hadwin and Pickles subjected several vulnerable children to multiple forms of abuse, robbing them of their childhood, and undoubtedly leaving them with psychological wounds which they may never truly recover from.

“I want to highlight how incredibly brave these children have been throughout this lengthy investigation - their strength to stand up to their abusers must be commended.

“Hadwin and Pickles have lied to police and other professionals, and attempted to blame others throughout this investigation, in an attempt to divert the attention away from themselves.

“I am delighted that the jury have returned these verdicts, ultimately protecting further children from falling victim to their manipulative and abhorrent behaviour.

“I hope this result will allow the children to close this chapter of their lives and start their healing journey.”

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Putin issued a chilling threat to the West as he confirmed Russia launched a ballistic missile against Ukraine

'The world must respond': Zelenskyy warns that Putin is 'testing' the West after confirmed use of new ballistic missile

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

Donald Trump nominates Pam Bondi for attorney general hours after Matt Gaetz withdraws

Starmer has backed the International Criminal Court over its arrest warrant for Netanyahu

Netanyahu faces arrest if he travels to Britain as Starmer vows to enforce International Criminal Court warrant

Yvette Cooper has branded the Rwanda scheme a "complete con."

Yvette Cooper to crack down on anti-social behaviour with new 'respect orders' as repeat offenders face jail time

King Charles III And Queen Camilla on Coronation Day

King Charles' coronation cost taxpayer £72 million, report reveals

Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City

Pep Guardiola signs two-year contract extension with Manchester City

Captain Tom's Daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore

Behaviour at Captain Tom charity left ex-boss 'gobsmacked'

Armed robbers attempted to break into the star's Sunderland home.

Masked machete-wielding robbers break into Charlotte Crosby's home while she is upstairs with two-year-old daughter

Police have released new CCTV of Harshita Brella and her husband

Chilling CCTV released of Harshita Brella and prime murder suspect husband on night she was killed

First photos of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special as James Corden and Ruth Jones mark triumphant finale

First photos of Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special as James Corden and Ruth Jones mark show's triumphant finale

King Charles performs a Hongi, a traditional Maori greeting, with Mere Takoko

King Charles shares traditional Maori nose rub greeting with activist as he launches environmental charity

Putin issued a chilling threat to the West as he confirmed Russia launched a ballistic missile against Ukraine

Putin issues chilling warning to UK and US as he confirms Russia hit Ukraine with new 'experimental' ballistic missile

Telegraph writer Allison Pearson.

Police drop investigation into journalist Allison Pearson over tweet - as review to be launched over handling of case

Exclusive
Angela Rayner has paid tribute to John Prescott

Angela Rayner says John Prescott 'used to call her after PMQs to remind her to stay true to who she is'

Four men have been arrested accused of attempting to rob a mobile phone store

Undercover police arrest four men after EE shop raided by masked gang

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations

Matt Gaetz withdraws as Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general amid sexual misconduct allegations