JustGiving page set up to cover paedophile's legal fees

On November 22, Paul Marsden, 62, of Daisy Hill Back Lane, was found guilty of two counts of indecently assaulting young girls, one in her early teens, and one aged 16 or 17, more than 30 years ago.

In the hearing, Marsden was also cleared of attempted rape and four other counts of indecent assault against the younger girl.

The page, set up using the name Karla Wells, carried a photograph of a grinning Marsden with his arm around his wife Stephanie, with the page title "Weʼre raising £3,000 to help fund Stephanie’s and Paul’s household bills and legal bills".

JustGiving deleted the page after receiving a complaint, but the T&A was able to view a cached version on Google's servers.

The page said: "Please help us raise funds for Stephanie & Paul.

"Recently they have have experienced a life changing event which has led to the sudden closure of both Stephanies (sic) ballet schools, Paul is unable to earn an income and they have huge legal debts after fighting to prove Pauls (sic) innocence. Stephanie needs help to pay for bills whilst she adjusts to a change if (sic) lifestyle.

"Please help this couple both of whom have changed many peoples (sic) lives with there (sic) help in the community, church and schools."

Before it was shut down, a total of £320 had been donated by eight donors - two of whom donated £100 each. One donor wrote: "Words still cannot describe the sadness felt, when we heard. Wish it could be more than £20 .xxx"

A statement from 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.”

Marsden is due to be sentenced at Bradford Crown Court this Friday, December 14.