ERIC FENLON SKELMERSDALE SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR DECADES OF ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL AND BEYOND

In December 2014, a disturbing case of prolonged sexual abuse came to a close as Eric Fenlon, a 55-year-old builder from Skelmersdale, was sentenced to a total of 24 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes spanning over two decades. The court heard that Fenlon had committed a staggering 34 sexual offences, targeting six victims ranging from children to young women, leaving a devastating trail of emotional and psychological damage in his wake.

Fenlon’s crimes included multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, with the offences dating back to 1990. During a two-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, the jury was presented with evidence of Fenlon’s repeated violations, which he showed no remorse or shame for, according to the presiding judge, Judge Clement Goldstone, QC.

Among the most serious charges were 15 counts of rape involving three young girls, one attempted rape, 11 counts of indecent assault, and seven counts of sexual assault. The prosecution, led by Keith Sutton, detailed how Fenlon’s first known offences occurred in 1990 when he sexually abused an 11-year-old girl. It was revealed that Fenlon was aware of her prior abuse by another man but continued to exploit her over the next two years.

Further allegations included the rape of a 14-year-old girl around 1995. Two years later, Fenlon began abusing a six-year-old girl, systematically raping her repeatedly between the ages of eight and 16. The victim initially reported the abuse to the police but later withdrew her allegations due to family pressure and threats from Fenlon, who then continued to assault her.

Additional victims included girls aged 14 and 15, whom Fenlon sexually assaulted between 2004 and 2006. He also sexually touched an 18-year-old on one occasion and abused another girl aged approximately 17 on three separate occasions. Throughout the trial, Fenlon’s defense argued that he was in “complete denial” and highlighted that he had no prior convictions, nor issues with alcohol or drugs. His defense also pointed out his unstable childhood, which involved attending 17 different schools.

Judge Goldstone condemned Fenlon’s actions, stating that he had caused “a trail of utter distress and lost innocence” and had continued offending even after police involvement. The judge emphasized that Fenlon sought new victims, believing himself to be above the law, and warned that he posed a significant risk of causing serious psychological harm to others.

As part of his sentence, Fenlon was ordered to serve 19 years in custody, with an additional five-year extended sentence. He was also mandated to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. To protect the public, especially vulnerable young girls, the court imposed an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which bans Fenlon from having unsupervised contact with children. The case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial action in safeguarding communities from predatory individuals like Fenlon, whose actions have left a lasting scar on multiple victims in Skelmersdale, Liverpool, and beyond.