GEORGE LAUGHARNE FROM AINTREE AND TELFORD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the communities of Aintree and Telford, a 72-year-old man named George Laugharne has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to a prolonged and disturbing campaign of sexual abuse against young children spanning over two decades.

Laugharne, who was originally from Aintree, was found to have targeted five vulnerable children, none of whom were related to him. The abuse took place from the 1960s through the 1980s, during which he exploited the innocence of his young victims, some as young as six years old. The court heard that his actions were not only sexual but also involved physical and psychological torment, with some victims suffering long-lasting trauma.

Throughout the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Laugharne had maintained a facade of respectability within his community, concealing his dark secret for many years. The court was told that at some point, Laugharne appeared to have a moment of remorse, tearfully telling one of his victims that “it had to stop,” though this remorse was not enough to prevent his conviction.

Prosecutor Christopher Stables detailed how rumors of sexual misconduct began to circulate, leading to Laugharne being confronted by his own son. During this confrontation, Laugharne reportedly admitted, “It’s something really bad. I was a right dirty b*****d back then.” Despite this admission, he also confided in an independent witness about his actions, showing no genuine remorse for his crimes.

Laugharne was arrested at his residence in Telford, where he was living at the time, and subsequently pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including indecency with a child, sexual assault, and buggery. The court heard harrowing accounts from some of his victims, with one describing him as acting as if he were a deity, asserting that the psychological damage inflicted would never leave her. Another victim revealed that she had “killed Laugharne in her dreams,” expressing her ongoing struggle with the trauma and her feelings of guilt, stating, “I know I’m not the person I should be today.”

Defense lawyer Arthur Gibson argued that Laugharne had been subjected to physical threats that forced him to leave Liverpool, claiming that these threats had “destroyed himself.” Gibson further stated that Laugharne had “nothing and he deserves nothing,” suggesting that his future would likely be spent in prison for the remainder of his life, especially considering his age and health issues.

Judge Andrew Hatton delivered the sentence, condemning Laugharne for living a lie for over 40 years and for his “prolonged course of conduct of sexual abuse” against his victims. The judge described Laugharne as a dominant, aggressive, and sometimes violent offender. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an expectation that he would serve approximately half of that term. Additionally, Laugharne was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was permanently barred from working with children.

As Laugharne was led away to begin his sentence, he attempted to apologize to some of his victims, but security personnel quickly intervened, preventing him from doing so. The case has left a lasting scar on the communities of Aintree and Telford, highlighting the devastating impact of hidden abuse within seemingly respectable individuals.