IAN RUSSELL AND ST HELENS: FAMILY SPEAKS OUT AFTER SENTENCING FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In March 2007, the family of Ian Russell, a convicted paedophile from Clinkham Wood near St Helens, expressed their relief following his sentencing to 14 years in prison for multiple sexual offences against a schoolgirl.

Russell, 45, was found guilty of six counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and one of child cruelty. He has been registered as a sex offender and is permanently banned from working with children.

The court heard that Russell began exposing himself to his victim when she was just 11 years old, eventually escalating to sexual assaults and rape. The victim, who was frequently beaten, continues to suffer from nightmares and remains terrified of Russell’s potential return.

His family, including his mother and sister who requested anonymity, described the period of their lives marked by intimidation and fear inflicted by Russell. Both were forced to leave their homes over a year and a half ago to a secret location as Russell’s campaign of terror intensified.

His 41-year-old sister attended every day of the trial and celebrated the sentencing, stating, "14 years isn’t enough! I want everyone to know what type of person he is."

His family’s reaction to the allegations did not come as a shock, as they had long since distanced themselves from him. They depicted Russell as a man of extreme cruelty and control. Following his father’s death five years prior and his mother’s subsequent remarriage, their fears and threats from Russell increased. His mother revealed that he made constant threats against her and even sent obscene text messages.

The family kept their lives secret, organizing birthday parties behind closed doors and forcing Russell’s sister to live in a caravan in Wales for four months. Her children were relocated to a new school far away, and neither she nor her children had visited St Helens town centre in two years.

His mother, who had to hide a hammer under her bed for safety, expressed her remorse, saying, "I gave him life and he has hurt so many people. How do I begin to say sorry to a young girl whose life he’s ruined?"

Both Russell’s sister and mother expressed relief that the public now recognizes his true nature and capabilities. They also thanked Moss Bank police, Helena Housing, and MP Dave Watts for their support in helping them move away from Clinkham Wood.

His sister stated, "This is the real Ian Russell, not the charming person some people thought he was."

His mother added, "He doesn’t deserve our family name. But I want to thank my daughter for all the love and support she has given me."