DAVID JOLLY ACCRINGTON MAN SEXUALLY MOLESTED YOUNG GIRL IN LEIGH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, David Jolly, a 50-year-old resident of Accrington, was found guilty of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in Leigh. The incident, which took place between January and August of the previous year, involved Jolly touching the young girl in a sexual manner, an act that has left lasting scars on the victim.

Leigh Crown Court heard that the girl, now 12 years old, has been deeply affected by the trauma. In a victim impact statement, she was described as being more withdrawn and quiet since the incidents occurred. The emotional toll on her has been significant, and her family has expressed their concern over her well-being.

Judge David Boulton delivered the verdict, sentencing Jolly to a 12-month prison term, which was suspended for two years. The court noted that Jolly has no previous convictions of a similar nature. As part of his sentence, Jolly was also placed under supervision for two years, with the condition that he attend a specialized sex offenders treatment program. The judge emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "It is rigorous and demanding so don’t think that you can breeze through it, because you won’t."

Furthermore, Jolly was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of five years and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order explicitly banned him from being alone with children under the age of 16, aiming to prevent any future harm.

Prosecutor Paul Becker revealed that after the offenses, the victim was too frightened to disclose the abuse to her parents. Instead, she confided in a friend, who then informed her family. Becker also disclosed that prior to the allegations coming to light on August 21, Jolly had made disturbing comments about paedophiles. During a conversation with a barmaid—who was a friend of the girl’s father—Jolly remarked, "You’d be surprised how many ten or 11-year-olds ask for it."

The barmaid, who has a young daughter herself, was shocked by Jolly’s words and questioned him about how children could possibly ask for sex. Jolly responded that he had worked with young girls and was aware that they did.

When arrested, Jolly initially denied the allegations, attempting to dismiss the accusations. His defense lawyer, Michael Marr, highlighted that Jolly had shown remorse by pleading guilty, thereby sparing the girl the ordeal of giving evidence in court. Marr also noted that Jolly has become a social pariah, with his home being firebombed in the aftermath of the case.

Jolly, who has been receiving incapacity benefits following a road traffic accident, has faced widespread ostracism from his family and community members in Accrington. The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding children and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from predators.