CHARLES MENET FROM NEW BRIGHTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A CHILD IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has shocked the community of New Brighton and the wider Liverpool area, Charles Menet, a 36-year-old nurse, was sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to serious sexual offenses involving a nine-year-old boy. The court proceedings, held at Liverpool Crown Court, revealed disturbing details about Menet's actions and the circumstances that led to the crimes.

According to the court, Menet, who resided on The Cliff in New Brighton, had a history of mental health issues, specifically chronic hypermania. This condition, as explained by his defense, caused episodes of elation, increased libido, and a loss of insight into his behavior. Menet had previously been detained under the Mental Health Act twice due to his condition. His mental health struggles were linked to his inconsistent use of prescribed medication, which, when neglected, appeared to diminish his inhibitions and lead to inappropriate conduct.

The court heard that Menet’s sexual offenses were committed during a period when he had stopped taking his medication. Judge David Clarke, QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, emphasized that the offenses were not directly related to his mental illness but were likely triggered by the lowered inhibitions resulting from his medication non-compliance. The judge stated, “I’m told that when you take medication you have a good insight into your own condition. The offences are clearly not related to your mental illness. It seems the offences were brought about when your inhibitions were reduced by your inconsistent taking of your medication. At all times you knew what you were doing and how wrong it was. I don’t know the degree of damage done to that child in the long or short term.”

Menet pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault, and four counts of indecency with a child. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life under the Sex Offenders’ Act. The court also noted that three other charges of rape, which Menet denied, remained on file for potential future proceedings.

The prosecution, led by Miss Elizabeth Cliff, revealed that the case came to light after Menet confessed to his wife that he had been unfaithful, which prompted further investigation. The details of the sexual offenses, involving the nine-year-old boy, were particularly distressing, and the court was told that Menet’s behavior was influenced by his mental health condition.

During the trial, Menet’s defense attorney, Mr. Stuart Driver, described him as a dedicated and well-qualified nurse who had previously maintained a good character. However, he also acknowledged that Menet’s mental health issues had caused him to drive himself excessively hard. The psychiatrist’s report presented in court indicated that the offenses would not have occurred if not for Menet’s mental health condition. It also assessed that the risk of re-offending was low, provided Menet remained on his medication and avoided contact with children.

Additional context was provided about Menet’s treatment history. It was noted that prior to his court appearance, other inmates had asked him about his charges and had physically assaulted him, leaving him beaten and bruised. The report concluded that with proper medication and no contact with children, Menet’s risk of re-offending could be minimized, but the court took a serious view of his actions, leading to the seven-year prison sentence and the lifelong sex offender registration requirement.