ANDREW SUTCLIFFE FROM BURNLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN PRESTON
In a serious case that has shocked the community of Burnley, Andrew Sutcliffe, a 54-year-old man residing on Gannow Lane, was convicted of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.The incident, which took place in April 2013, was brought to light during a three-day trial at Burnley Crown Court, where the jury found Sutcliffe guilty of the charges after considering the evidence presented by the prosecution.
According to court proceedings, the young victim was subjected to inappropriate and harmful conduct by Sutcliffe at his home.
The prosecutor, Mr.
Richard Orme, detailed that Sutcliffe had asked the girl to sit on his knee, an act that was followed by him kissing her and blowing down her blouse.
The court also heard that Sutcliffe had touched the girl over her knickers and had lifted her bra, actions that constitute serious sexual misconduct.
The defense argued that the girl had initiated the kiss, but the jury rejected this claim, finding Sutcliffe guilty by a majority verdict.
Throughout the trial, it was noted that no indecent images were discovered on Sutcliffe’s mobile phone or computer, which was presented as evidence during the proceedings.
Despite this, the court recognized the gravity of his actions and the impact on the young victim, who was still suffering from the emotional and psychological effects of the assault.
The court was also informed that Sutcliffe had a previously good character, which was considered during sentencing.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Beverley Lunt expressed her disapproval of Sutcliffe’s behavior, emphasizing that he had preyed on the innocence of the young girl.
She condemned his attempt to tarnish her character by suggesting she was promiscuous and had decided to kiss him, describing such claims as “scurrilous” and rightly rejected by the jury.
The judge highlighted that Sutcliffe showed no remorse for his actions, which influenced her decision to impose a custodial sentence of 12 months in prison.
Furthermore, Judge Lunt ordered that Sutcliffe be placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years and be subject to a sexual offences prevention order for the same duration.
She underscored the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from predators like Sutcliffe and stressed that his actions had violated the trust placed in him by the community and the young girl involved.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and justice in safeguarding children from sexual abuse, especially in familiar settings such as the home of the offender in Burnley.
