ALBERT JUST FROM BURNLEY AND GLASGOW SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL

In June 2005, a tragic case unfolded involving a man named Albert Just, who was convicted of heinous sexual offences against a teenage girl. The incident took place over a period of two years, during which Just, a resident of Springfield Road in Burnley, engaged in multiple acts of sexual assault against the young victim. The court proceedings revealed the profound impact these crimes had on the girl, who was only a teenager at the time.

Albert Just, who originally hails from Glasgow, faced a jury at Preston Crown Court. The jury took just 90 minutes to deliberate and reach a verdict, finding him guilty of two counts of rape along with five other charges related to sexual misconduct involving a minor. Throughout the trial, Just maintained his innocence, denying all allegations despite overwhelming evidence and the testimonies presented.

The court heard that the victim, whose identity remains protected, had been subjected to repeated abuse, which severely affected her mental health. Her family and friends observed her behavioral changes, and she herself confided in a school counsellor about the abuse. The girl had even threatened to take her own life in September, a clear indication of the trauma she endured. Following her disclosure, police were involved, and an investigation was launched. The victim recounted that the abuse had persisted for two years, leaving her emotionally scarred.

Judge Peter Openshaw QC, presiding over the case, expressed deep concern about the lasting effects of the crimes. He stated, “I consider these offences have had a truly shattering effect upon her. What the future will hold no one can say but seldom have I seen in sharper focus the effects of sexual abuse.” The judge also criticized Just’s attitude, noting that he showed “not the slightest reflection or remorse” and continued to deny any wrongdoing.

During the sentencing, Judge Openshaw emphasized the severity of the crimes, which had caused significant distress to the victim. He sentenced Just to ten years in prison for the two counts of rape. Additionally, he was given concurrent sentences of five and four years for indecent assaults. As part of his punishment, Just was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was prohibited from working with children in any capacity.

Legal representatives for Just, including his defense lawyer Robert Elias, acknowledged his continued denial of the offences. Elias described the probation service report as “wholly unfavourable” and pleaded for leniency, arguing that the sentence would have a profound and life-altering impact on Just. He expressed sympathy for the victim, stating, “One’s heart goes out to her,” but emphasized that the punishment would not undo the harm done.

It was also revealed that Just had a history of alcohol abuse and had committed previous offences related to assault and being drunk and disorderly, though he had no prior convictions for sexual offences. The court was informed that his offending was committed while he was intoxicated.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jane Lawrenson commented on the case, stating, “The sentence reflects the severity of the offences he was charged with,” underscoring the justice served in this tragic case involving a man from Glasgow and Burnley who inflicted lasting damage on a vulnerable young girl.