GARY MULLIGAN SENTENCED IN ST HELENS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGE GIRL
A man named Gary Mulligan, aged 51, of Riddell Way, Juniper Grove, St Helens, was convicted of multiple serious sexual offences following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.The case concerned a teenage girl who, in 2005, was subjected to sexual assault and attempted rape by Mulligan while she was under the influence of alcohol.
During the trial, the prosecution stated that Mulligan took advantage of her vulnerability when she was drunk.
Peter Killen, prosecuting, reported that Mulligan denied any wrongdoing during police interviews, claiming the girl had initiated the sexual contact and that he had resisted her advances.
Mulligan maintained this stance throughout the five-day trial, where his traumatised victim had to give evidence.
The jury unanimously found Mulligan guilty of attempted rape, causing a child to view an image of sexual activity, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of assault by penetration.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones addressed Mulligan directly, stating: "You took advantage of her drinking.
You didn't ply her with alcohol, but she was drunk and you took advantage when she had dozed off." The judge detailed that Mulligan had been watching a horror film with the girl, but after she fell asleep, he put on a pornographic film.
When she awoke, she was "astonished," and Mulligan made a series of sexual advances despite her protests and distress.
The girl, frightened, ultimately fled the scene.
In a victim personal statement, the now adult woman described suffering from low self-esteem and ongoing therapy as a result of the abuse.
The attempted rape inflicted "severe psychological harm," and the incident was characterised by the judge as a sustained attack.
Defence counsel, David Polglase, highlighted Mulligan's previous good character, noting he had no prior convictions and had contributed positively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mulligan was the sole carer for his 80-year-old mother and supported his son, and he had never been imprisoned before.
Taking all circumstances into account, including Mulligan’s lack of criminal history and the impact of incarceration, Judge Trevor-Jones sentenced him to 11 and a half years in prison.
Mulligan was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life and will serve the mandatory period of two-thirds of his sentence seven years and eight months before being eligible for release on licence.
