ERIC LIVELEY FROM DROITWICH JAILED FOR BREACHING SEX OFFENDER RESTRICTIONS AT LOCAL PUB

In June 2015, a serious incident involving Eric Liveley, a known sex offender from Droitwich, resulted in his imprisonment after he was found to have violated a court-imposed restriction designed to prevent him from having contact with minors. The case was heard at Worcester Crown Court, where it was revealed that Liveley, aged 54, had been living in a tent in the Droitwich area, seeking companionship and social interaction, which ultimately led to his breach of a lifelong sexual offences prevention order.

The court heard that the order, issued in 2010, explicitly prohibited Liveley from seeking contact with children under the age of 16. Despite this, between December 1 of the previous year and February 28 of the current year, he entered the pool room of the Star and Garter pub in Droitwich, a venue known to attract teenagers and younger children accompanied by their parents. Prosecutor Stuart Clarkson detailed that Liveley would buy snacks such as crisps and soft drinks for the children and, on one occasion, handed a boy £5 worth of 50p coins to pay for the pool table. The court was also informed that Liveley had made offers to buy a boy an iPad and a motorbike, and had touched an older teenager on the leg, actions that raised serious concerns about his intentions and behavior.

Following a complaint from a parent, police intervened, and Liveley was subsequently banned from the pub. He admitted to breaching the court order during the proceedings. His defense attorney, Charles Hamer, explained that Liveley was living an isolated life in a tent and was frequenting the pub primarily for social interaction. Hamer emphasized that Liveley had not committed any direct offenses but expressed concern over his mental state and intentions while engaging with the young people. The defense also highlighted that Liveley was a recovering alcoholic, currently on anti-depressants and other medications.

Judge Toby Hooper, QC, addressed the court, noting Liveley's long history of dishonesty dating back to 1977 and his previous incarceration for serious sexual offenses in 2010. The judge condemned Liveley's actions, stating that he had deliberately sought out contact with children despite the court order, which was a clear violation and posed a significant risk to minors. Addressing Liveley via video link from prison, Judge Hooper described his conduct as flagrant and knowing, emphasizing that such behavior warranted immediate imprisonment to protect the public.

As a result, Liveley was sentenced to 16 months in prison. The judge clarified that he would serve half of this sentence and then be subject to a further 12 months of supervision on license under the new sentencing legislation. Importantly, the lifelong ban preventing him from any contact with individuals under 16, except in normal daily circumstances, remains in effect, ensuring ongoing restrictions to safeguard minors in the community.