GEORGE MOORE FROM ACCRINGTON AND COUNTY ANTRIM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the communities of Accrington and County Antrim, George Moore, a former brewery worker, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a young girl. The incident, which took place over a two-month period, involved the manipulation and exploitation of a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, with Moore introducing her to sex and providing her with alcohol during their clandestine meetings.

At Burnley Crown Court, it was revealed that Moore, who was 35 years old at the time of the offenses and was residing in Accrington, had no prior criminal record. He admitted to four counts of sexual activity with a child last year. The court heard that Moore was living in Accrington during the time of the crimes but has since relocated to County Antrim. As part of his sentencing, he was given an extended license period of two years, disqualified from working with children, and prohibited from having unsupervised contact with girls under 16. Additionally, Moore was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

The prosecution, led by Judith McCullough, detailed how Moore performed sexual acts on the girl and instructed her not to disclose their encounters. He maintained contact through text messages, and the girl later admitted to police that she enjoyed the attention he gave her. On one occasion, the girl, feeling overwhelmed and unwilling to attend school, forged a letter claiming she had a dental appointment and met Moore. They went to his house, although he ensured they did not enter together. The court was also told that Moore coerced the girl into performing a sex act on him in a car before taking her to a petrol station and buying her a drink.

The girl’s mother noticed a significant change in her daughter’s behavior, which raised suspicions. When police were called in December, Moore initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the girl had been lying. However, evidence and testimonies confirmed the allegations. Moore’s defense lawyer, Mark Stuart, acknowledged the psychological harm caused to the girl and stated that Moore accepted responsibility for his actions, showing remorse and anxiety over the situation. The probation service assessed Moore as being at low risk of re-offending.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Susan Smith of Accrington CID expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of protecting young victims from exploitation and ensuring justice was served.