GEORGE HARKNESS FROM CURROCK CARLISLE SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the local community, George Harkness, a 67-year-old man residing in the Currock area of Carlisle, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving young girls. The crimes, which spanned over two decades, were brought to light during a trial at Carlisle Crown Court, revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse that had remained hidden for years.

According to court records, the offenses committed by Harkness took place between 1964 and 1987. The charges included three counts of rape and ten counts of indecent assault, all involving victims whose ages ranged from as young as six to as old as 17 at the time of the abuse. Harkness, who previously owned a haulage business, had initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.

The revelation of his crimes was triggered when one of his victims, now an adult, reported to the police after discovering that Harkness had recently taken up employment as a school bus driver. This prompted further investigation, which uncovered the extent of his misconduct. The court heard that the abuse was systematic, with Judge John Phillips describing it as the “systematic sexual abuse of three young girls.”

Harkness’s background was also discussed during the trial. He had served as a senior aircraftman in the Royal Air Force before transitioning into the logistics industry, eventually running his own haulage business. Despite his previous respectable career, his criminal actions cast a dark shadow over his life. During the sentencing, Harkness was seen blowing a kiss to relatives sitting in the public gallery as he was led away to begin his prison term.

The court also ordered Harkness to be registered as a sex offender indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact his actions had on the victims, stating that each of them had been “greatly damaged” by his conduct. While Harkness’s age was considered a factor that reduced the risk of further offenses, the court made it clear that his crimes were deeply damaging and unacceptable.

Harkness’s criminal history and the nature of his offenses have left a lasting scar on the community of Carlisle, particularly in the Currock area where he resided. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from predatory individuals. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such crimes are viewed and the commitment to ensuring justice for victims of sexual abuse.