GRAHAM WILCOCK'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN BLACKPOOL AND FLEETWOOD: PAEDOPHILE TEACHER'S SENTENCE REDUCED BY APPEAL JUDGES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Blackpool and Fleetwood, Graham Wilcock, a former teacher on the Fylde coast, has seen his prison sentence significantly reduced following an appeal in London. Wilcock, who once held a prominent position at Emmanuel Christian School in Fleetwood, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl during the 1980s.

The abuse spanned a distressing period of two years, from when the girl was just 13 years old until she turned 15. Wilcock, who was then a 25-year-old teaching assistant, exploited his position of authority and trust to carry out multiple sexual assaults. Over time, he advanced from seemingly benign gestures, such as placing a fatherly arm around her shoulders, to more invasive acts including kissing and molesting her. His actions also involved humiliating her and making fun of her appearance, which added to the trauma she endured.

Wilcock's rise within the school system saw him eventually become deputy headteacher responsible for the senior school. Despite his professional success, his dark past was hidden until the victim, now an adult, decided to come forward and report the abuse. Her decision prompted the school to take action, consulting the Department of Education and Employment, which led to Wilcock's dismissal. However, at that time, the police were not involved, as the victim had not requested their intervention.

Following his departure from Emmanuel Christian School in the 1990s, Wilcock relocated to Romania, where he worked for charitable organizations. It was only in 2009, after the victim decided to pursue justice, that authorities traced him. Wilcock was found living in Poulton Road, Blackpool, and was brought back to the UK to face the charges. He immediately admitted to the allegations against him, which included six counts of indecent assault.

In June of the previous year, Preston Crown Court sentenced Wilcock to four years in prison after he pleaded guilty. The court acknowledged his remorse and the unusual circumstances surrounding his case. Today, however, the Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice Wyn Williams, Lord Justice Jackson, and Judge Brian Barker, reviewed his sentence. They concluded that Wilcock’s remorse was genuine and that his offending was out of character, which warranted a reduction.

Mr Justice Wyn Williams explained that Wilcock’s conduct initially appeared to be paternal but escalated into sexual misconduct. The court noted that Wilcock’s cooperation and voluntary return from Romania demonstrated his acknowledgment of guilt and remorse. The judges ultimately decided to reduce his sentence to three years and four months, citing his genuine remorse and the absence of similar behavior towards other young girls. This decision has sparked debate and concern among those following the case, highlighting the complex nature of justice in cases involving abuse of trust and authority.