CARL LARKIN FROM MURDISHAW, RUNCORN, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CROSBY

In a case that has shocked the local community, Carl Larkin, a 44-year-old man originally from Falmouth Place in Murdishaw, Runcorn, was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The incident took place in Crosby, where Larkin was living at the time of his conviction.

The court heard that Larkin, who was serving as an army cadet volunteer, had taken advantage of his position of trust to exploit a 14-year-old girl. The girl was placed under his care in April 2008 while her parents were away on their honeymoon. During this period, Larkin engaged in sexual acts with her on two separate occasions, breaching the trust placed in him and violating her innocence.

Judge Adrian Lyon, presiding over the case at Liverpool Crown Court, emphasized the severity of the offense during sentencing. He stated, “It has to be a sentence of imprisonment, the offence is a serious one. Sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl on two occasions in circumstances where you were in a position of trust. There was a substantial age difference and it was a clear breach of trust.”

Furthermore, the judge ordered Larkin to register as a sex offender for life and made it explicitly clear that he should never be permitted to work with children again. “It is clear you shouldn’t be allowed to work with children in the future, that is impossible, bearing in mind your contact with the cadet force,” Judge Lyon added.

Throughout the proceedings, Larkin showed no visible emotion as he was led away to serve his sentence. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the trial, the jury at Liverpool Crown Court rejected his claims and found him guilty on two counts of sexual activity with a child. The prosecution, led by Peter Davies, detailed how the girl, who was entrusted into Larkin’s care, was manipulated and abused on two separate occasions. The girl initially did not disclose what had happened but later confided in a teacher at school, revealing the details of the abuse.

Mr. Davies pointed out that although Larkin did not work directly with children at the time, his association with minors through his role in the army cadets made the case particularly serious. It was also noted that Larkin had been suspended from his cadet duties following the allegations.

Defense lawyer David Ackerley stated that Larkin continued to deny the allegations, asserting, “He still protests his innocence in this matter.” Ackerley also highlighted the potential impact of the prison sentence on Larkin’s family and mentioned that his client had previously been involved in charitable work. He referenced a letter from a senior figure within the army cadets, which attested to the respect Larkin had earned prior to these events, suggesting there was another side to his character.

Ultimately, the court’s decision reflected the gravity of the crimes committed and the breach of trust involved, leading to a significant custodial sentence for Carl Larkin, a man from Murdishaw, Runcorn, now living in Crosby.