August 2007: Released on Licence which expires in January 2011. However he is required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sex offenders prevention order for an indefinite period. Now living back in Knottingley October 2005 Pervert found guilty of multiple sexual offences against children A paedophile has been found guilty of a string of sexual offences against two young girls Electrical company employee Edward O’Rourke, 47 of the Warwick Estate Knottingley was sentenced at Leeds Crown court. The court heard that O’Rourke had been a family friend for over two decades before the abuse started. In early 2004, O’Rourke plied one victim, who was aged just 12-years-old with alcohol and proceeded to molest and sexually touch the young girl. Indecent photos of the same girl were also taken by O’Rourke. The victim disclosed the abuse she suffered to a neighbour. The neighbour immediately alerted her parents and the police were called. After a thorough investigation by police, and denial made by the defendant, a trial was set for the February 2005. However the trial was adjourned two days before the start as prosecution had uncovered evidence that O’Rourke had in fact been in court before for similar offences The new trial was set for June 2005 The court was told that the victims – two young sisters – both attempted suicide in the months leading up to the new trial. O’Rourke eventually stood trial at Leeds crown court and flatly denied all the charges he faced. The trial lasted just two days before the jury were sent out to consider their verdicts. The jury soon returned with a unanimous verdict of guilt on all charges Summing up the case Judge Kerry Macgill told O’Rourke: “The Jury was not aware of your alleged past, but I certainly am” O’rourke was sentenced to three years imprisonment on each count to run concurrent. He was told he would be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to a sex offenders prevention order for an indefinite period