Paedo Who Tortured And Starved Children With Partner Found Dead In Prison Cell

While he awaited sentencing, a man who had been found guilty of a horrifying array of child abuse was discovered dead in his cell.

Weeks after being found guilty of rape and child neglect, 39-year-old Andrew Hadwin was discovered dead at HMP Durham prison Friday, February 2.

Over the years, Hadwin and his companion Cheryl Pickles abused youngsters by starving them, feeding them soap, and forcing them into steaming hot showers and baths.

The children were malnourished by the couple until they were so starving that they had to scavenge in grocery store bins over long distances. The youngsters were made to watch the adults eat while they stood in stressful positions for extended periods of time while the couple ordered takeaways.

Another kind of abuse involved hanging one terrified child over a bridge over a busy road and keeping the kids in a cupboard.

Hadwin's death was verified by the Department of Justice, which also informed MailOnline that an inquiry was ongoing.

A Department of Justice spokesman said: 'HMP Durham prisoner Andrew Hadwin died on 2 February.’

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

The couple was referred to by neighbors as "creepy and furtive," and they claimed that when they saw them, they would stop their kids from playing outside. They also claimed that they used to hear "all sorts of strange noises coming from their home."

Prior to a sentencing hearing planned for April 28, Hadwin and Pickles had both been remanded in custody.

The two were accused of numerous counts of child neglect, multiple counts of engaging in sexual conduct with a child, and one count of tampering with the course of justice.

Regarding the assault of another kid that occurred while Hadwin was a young girl, she was also accused of three charges of rape.

He was convicted of three charges of rape, seven counts of neglect, and one act of perverting the course of justice on January 18.

He was acquitted of engaging in sexual conduct with a child.

A jury at Teesside Crown Court found Hadwin and Pickles, of Fishburn, County Durham, responsible for a prolonged campaign of child abuse after a lengthy trial.

Jurors learned of the pair's horrifying torture during the trial, which included hanging one terrified youngster from a bridge over a busy road.

Hadwin and Pickles frequently starved children or forced them into scalding hot showers and baths. One youngster was abused to the point that they sustained life-limiting injuries.

Medical professionals testified in court during the trial about the children's repeated, painful injuries.

In the letters, which the couple claimed to be from the kids and which they gave to the police, they apologized for lying, expressed remorse, and falsely accused people of sexual assault, according to what they had been told.

A handwriting expert, however, determined the letters weren't those of a youngster and that they had actually been written in a notebook that had been uncovered at the couple's house.

The campaign of abuse only put an end when one of the kids gathered the bravery to inform an adult they could trust.

The pair appeared to be a content family on social media, where Hadwin maintains at least six distinct identities. As recently as January 7, Pickles was active on social media, posting messages wishing her friends a happy new year.

Hadwin was convicted of three counts of rape, seven counts of neglect, and one count of tampering with evidence after the jury deliberated for three days. He was cleared of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor.

Pickles was held responsible for perverting justice on one count and five charges of child abuse. She was cleared of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor.

Fishburn locals were aware of the rape allegations prior to his conviction, and mothers would bring their kids inside after playing in their front gardens while he smoked out of a bedroom window.

A neighbor said: 'He was known to be a sex offender which was disturbing to all the families with young children around here.’

'They must have lived here for five years but there were never any children at the house as far as anyone knew.’

'The details of the case are horrifying and to think that the pair had access to kids is frightening.’

'They were creepy and furtive. They'd scuttle to and from their car in the morning, leave for the day and then come back at night. No one knew where they went.’

'There would be all sorts of strange noises coming from their home and they'd have a steady stream of odd-looking visitors. I dread to think what was going on in there.'

Another neighbor said: '[Hadwin] walked with a white stick as if he was registered blind and would use it to get to his car and then drive away in it.’

'The police were frequent visitors and people knew of his past. I hope they get locked up for a long, long time. We never want to see them back here again.'

Throughout a seven-week trial at Teesside Crown Court, the couple, who fiercely denied all allegations against them, let the jurors sit through horrifying accounts of child abuse.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Kat Pudney of the Durham Constabulary's Safeguarding Unit, stated: '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.’

'One of Hadwin's victims is now a young woman. She has shown incredible bravery in reliving her ordeal many years later. I hope she finds some comfort that her attacker has now been convicted and remanded.’

'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 has returned these verdicts, ultimately protecting further children from falling victim to their manipulative and abhorrent behavior.’

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

She added: 'The safeguarding and wellbeing of children is everyone's business - all children deserve to be safe, protected and loved.’

'If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please speak out. Your actions could save a life.'