Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCopy linkJohn Siddell, a 41-year-old paedophile from Ashington, Northumberland, faked a severe disability to avoid prosecution for child abuse. He pretended to be a non-verbal wheelchair user who was unable to hold up his own head during court-ordered appointments. Leicestershire Police exposed his deception using CCTV footage that showed him walking, talking, and socialising. His brother, James Siddell, 44, assisted by lying to the police about John's health conditions. Both brothers were convicted of perverting the course of justice; John Siddell received a total sentence of 15 years, including 11 years and 10 months for 15 child sex offences, while James Siddell was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months. In fullPaedophile who faked severe disability has lies exposed by CCTVMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in