ERIC DALE BRIERFIELD MAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING RUNAWAY SCHOOLGIRLS IN BURNLEY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Brierfield and the surrounding areas, a man named Eric Dale has been sentenced to a 16-month jail term after admitting to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a teenage girl. The incident took place in June of the previous year and involved a young girl who had run away from home, along with her friend, both of whom had been reported missing by their mothers.

Eric Dale, aged 49, appeared before Burnley Crown Court to face charges related to his conduct. During the trial, he pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful sexual intercourse. However, he was cleared of other serious allegations, including two counts of child abduction and three counts of indecent assault, following the directions of Judge Raymond Bennett. Dale had consistently denied all the charges brought against him.

The court heard that the two schoolgirls had stayed at Dale’s residence in Brierfield for two nights after they ran away from their homes. The jury was informed that both girls had been given cider to drink during their stay, and at some point, they had gotten into Dale’s bed. The situation escalated when Dale remained with the victim girl while her friend went downstairs with another man. It was alleged that Dale undressed the girl, removed her underwear, and engaged in sexual activity with her.

The incident was interrupted when the other girl entered the room, prompting both girls to go downstairs with the other man. The girl who had been with Dale later told police that Dale had expressed a desire to be alone with her friend and that she had entered Dale’s bedroom to find him on top of the girl. She was instructed by Dale to leave the room. The prosecution also claimed that Dale had attempted to kiss the other girl and then positioned himself on top of her, further complicating the case.

During police interviews, Dale reportedly told officers that both girls had removed their tops and claimed they were 16 years old. The court’s proceedings highlighted the disturbing nature of the case and the breach of trust involved. Ultimately, the judge sentenced Dale to 16 months in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the impact on the young victims involved in this distressing incident in Brierfield and Burnley.