BRIAN FARRINGTON FROM ACCRINGTON AND PAIGNTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In August 2017, a disturbing case involving Brian Farrington, a man with connections to both Accrington and Paignton, came to light through a court hearing at Burnley Crown Court. Farrington, aged 74 at the time, faced serious allegations of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl, with the abuse reportedly beginning when the victim was just 11 years old and continuing for an additional three years. The court was informed that the abuse took place during the 1980s, a period marked by Farrington’s inappropriate conduct towards the young girl.

Prosecutor Susan Carter detailed the nature of Farrington’s misconduct, revealing that he derived sexual gratification from his actions. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was subjected to inappropriate touching and was even made to strip in front of Farrington. It was also disclosed that Farrington, who previously served in the army for six years, was confronted by the victim when she reached the age of 18. During this confrontation, Farrington admitted to his wrongdoing and expressed remorse, apologizing for his behavior.

The victim later reported Farrington to the police earlier in the year, leading to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings. Farrington, who was residing at Southfield Rise in Paignton, Devon at the time of the court case, fully admitted to the charges and acknowledged that he experienced sexual gratification from the abuse. In her victim impact statement, the complainant shared the profound effects the abuse had on her adult life, particularly highlighting her struggles with forming relationships and trusting others, which she attributed to the trauma inflicted during her childhood.

Farrington pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault. Judge Beverley Lunt, presiding over the case, delivered a stern judgment, criticizing Farrington for failing to accept responsibility for his actions. The judge stated, “You have completely failed to accept that the cause of your behaviour was your own underlying deviant sexual interest in your victim. You have tried to blame what you did on evil forces. The only evil force was you.”

Following the sentencing, Simon Morris, an officer involved in Lancashire Police’s Operation Fervent, emphasized that victims should feel encouraged to come forward regardless of how much time has passed. Morris reaffirmed the police’s commitment to taking all allegations seriously and ensuring justice is served.

As part of his sentence, Farrington was ordered to sign the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely. However, the court decided not to impose a sexual harm prevention order at that time.

Earlier in July 2017, Farrington, then 73 years old, appeared before magistrates in Blackburn, where he admitted to historic sexual offences involving the same victim, an 11-year-old girl. These offences, committed between 1981 and 1984 in Rising Bridge, Accrington, resulted in his being granted bail pending sentencing at Burnley Crown Court scheduled for August 21. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address and prosecute child sexual abuse, regardless of the time elapsed since the offences occurred.