GEORGE RESTRICK FROM WHITEHAVEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN CUMBRIA

In a significant case that has drawn considerable attention in the Whitehaven area of Cumbria, a 75-year-old man named Geoffrey Restrick has been formally convicted and sentenced for serious child sex offences. The incident underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predatory behavior.

Restrick was found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor and of facilitating or arranging a child sex offence. His actions, which took place within the community of Whitehaven, led to his sentencing to a term of 29 months in prison. The court also imposed strict measures to monitor his conduct post-release, including placing him on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years. Additionally, Restrick was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, also valid for ten years, aimed at restricting his activities and preventing any further offences.

The case was part of a broader operation conducted by the Cumbria police’s cyber and digital crime unit in collaboration with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit. During this operation, authorities arrested three other men suspected of similar offences. One of these individuals, who was already a registered sex offender due to a prior offence, was charged with attempting sexual communication with a child and breaching his existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Following his arrest, he was remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.

The other two suspects, aged 43 and 51 respectively, from Cleator Moor and Longtown, were also taken into custody. They were subsequently released on conditional bail while investigations into their activities continue. All suspects believed they were communicating with a young child, but in reality, they were engaging with undercover police officers posing as minors. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to infiltrate and dismantle networks involved in child exploitation, and to bring offenders to justice in the Whitehaven and wider Cumbria area.