ANTHONY WILCOCK: HORRIFIC CHILD RAPE CASE IN WARRINGTON LEADS TO 24-YEAR SENTENCE

A man from Warrington, Anthony Wilcock, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 24 years after being found guilty of multiple heinous sexual offenses involving two young girls. The court heard that Wilcock, aged 44 and formerly residing on Harvey Avenue in Newton-le-Willows, committed a series of disturbing crimes that spanned several years, causing profound harm to his victims.

Wilcock was convicted on a total of 11 counts, which included eight charges of rape and three counts of sexual assault by penetration. The trial revealed that he had abused one girl when she was between nine and 15 years old, and the other girl when she was between 12 and 14. Despite the conviction, Wilcock maintained his innocence during the proceedings, which were held at Liverpool Crown Court.

Prosecutor Gerald Baxter detailed the extent of Wilcock’s abuse, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. The court was told that Wilcock’s first victim was subjected to sexual assault starting at the age of nine, with the abuse escalating to rape, during which he would pin her down. The girl confided in a school friend about the abuse, prompting the school to notify the police. However, an investigation at that time did not result in Wilcock’s arrest, allowing him to continue his predatory behavior with the second girl, beginning when she was 12.

One particularly disturbing incident involved Wilcock forcing the second girl to perform a sex act while holding her jaw open, causing her intense pain and fear that her jaw might break. The victim described this as the most traumatic memory she wished to forget, but she found herself unable to erase it from her mind, a sentiment echoed by the judge.

During the sentencing hearing, Wilcock appeared via video link from prison. Judge Neil Flewitt, KC, described Wilcock as a dangerous offender, noting his history of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as his aggressive and violent tendencies. The judge recounted how Wilcock’s sexual assault of the first girl began when she was just nine years old, and how he later continued to abuse her by raping her while pinning her down. The court heard that Wilcock’s actions had a lasting impact on the victims’ mental health.

Impact statements from the victims revealed the deep psychological scars left by Wilcock’s crimes. The older girl expressed feelings of self-hatred and disclosed that she had undergone counseling. She stated, “I don’t want him to do this to anyone else. It cannot happen again.” The second victim shared her struggles with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and panic attacks, especially when experiencing physical contact, which has strained her relationships. She described her trauma as something that “will haunt me for the rest of my life,” adding, “I don’t want to die but don’t want to live with this either.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Flewitt emphasized the severity of Wilcock’s conduct, describing him as a particularly concerning offender. An additional 12 months was added to Wilcock’s license, and he was ordered to serve at least two-thirds of his 24-year sentence before being eligible for parole. The judge also mandated that Wilcock sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and issue restraining orders to protect the victims.

The Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricts Wilcock’s access to the internet and computers, recognizing the potential for online platforms to facilitate further offenses. Judge Flewitt highlighted that Wilcock’s apparent sexual attraction to young girls and his misuse of technology posed ongoing risks. The court acknowledged the courage of the victims in speaking out and giving evidence against him.

Wilcock’s defense lawyer, David Polglase, described him as a good father to his sons and noted that when not under the influence of Class A drugs, he had been employed. The lawyer also pointed out that Wilcock did not accept the convictions but accepted the consequences and acknowledged that he would need to work on his behavior during his time in prison or on license. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of Wilcock’s crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims.