Paedo: Just give to my legal fund
£3,000 plea for church pervert
A FUNDRAISING page was launched to help a church warden who is said to have recited the Lord’s Prayer during paedophile assaults.
Paul Marsden, 62, was found guilty of abusing students, one in her early teens, at a dance school he helped run with his wife Stephanie. Days after the verdict a JustGiving crowdfunding page was set up seeking £3,000 to pay legal bills.
Around £ 300 was donated before JustGiving closed it down after receiving a complaint.
A source said: “It’s disgusting. What about the girls he abused?
“They claimed he needed cash because of a ‘ life changing event’ but haven’t made clear it’s because he ruined the lives of these girls.”
A trial heard that Marsden, who earned a living as an electrician, indecently assaulted two pupils three decades ago at a dance school in Bradford, West Yorks.
One was in her early teens and the other was 16 or 17 when he sexually touched them during performances. Bradford Crown Court heard he also abused one girl in his bathroom and kitchen and on theme park rides.
She claimed he would recite the Lord’s Prayer while he abused her.
Marsden denied assault and dismissed suggestions that he touched them inappropriately while lifting them on stage. He was found not guilty of attempted rape and four allegations of indecently assaulting the younger girl.
But he was convicted of two counts of indecent assault against her and one against the older girl.
The JustGiving page was later created under the account name “Karla Wells”. An appeal message said: “Recently they have experienced a life-changing event which has led to the closure of both Stephanie’s ballet schools. Paul is unable to earn an income and they have huge legal debts after fighting to prove Paul’s innocence.
“Stephanie needs help to pay bills... please help this couple who have changed many lives in the community, church and schools.”
Marsden – who faces sentence on Friday – has defended entertainer Rolf Harris, 88, who was jailed over paedophile offences.
He said in a social media post: “I don’t believe a word of the allegations against Rolf. We know so many others wrongly convicted.”
An NSPCC spokesman said: “Marsden inflicted horrific abuse and probably thought he had got away with it but for the bravery of his victims in speaking out.”
JustGiving said: “We have robust systems to regulate the legitimacy of page owners and content.
“A dedicated team aim to resolve matters that do not comply within 24 hours.”