JAMES BEAN OF GREAT SANKEY SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE CASE IN LIVERPOOL

In a landmark case that has resonated deeply within the community of Great Sankey and the wider Liverpool area, James Bean, a 39-year-old man from Liverpool Road in Great Sankey, was sentenced to six years in prison for heinous crimes committed over two decades ago. The court proceedings, held at Liverpool Crown Court, marked a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of historic sexual abuse.

Bean was convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a young boy, who was only nine years old at the time of the abuse. The assault was carried out more than twenty years ago, with Bean reportedly telling his young victim that he wanted to “play a game” during the abuse. The case was particularly notable because the victim, who has since passed away, struggled to come to terms with the trauma he endured as a child. His death as an adult was believed to be linked to the emotional scars left by the abuse.

Despite the victim’s death, his family was determined to seek justice in his memory. His wife, who chose to remain anonymous out of respect for her late husband, expressed her hope that he would now find peace. She shared her feelings after the sentencing, revealing how deeply the abuse affected her husband. “It really tore him to bits,” she said. “He was so private about it, he felt ashamed. After he died, I couldn’t let it drop, not when I had encouraged him to report it. I was so proud of him for doing that.”

During the court proceedings, the family was visibly emotional. The wife recounted that she and her husband's brother attended court every day, and during the reading of the verdict, her brother took her hand. Each time the court found Bean guilty on each count, they squeezed each other's hands in a show of shared relief and triumph. She expressed her sorrow that her husband was not alive to witness the outcome firsthand, emphasizing the importance of justice for victims of such crimes.

Police reports detailed that James Bean subjected the young boy to years of abuse, which resulted in lasting emotional damage. The case was particularly significant because it is only the second known instance where a person has been convicted of historic sex offences posthumously, with video interviews and other evidence being used in court to establish guilt.

The family hopes that their case will inspire other victims and their families to come forward, even if the perpetrator has since died. The victim’s brother voiced his pride in finally securing justice, stating, “It has been a great result out of a bad situation. It just feels like we have put things to rest a bit. Bean took advantage of my brother. We never expected that result. It was definitely worth it and it definitely paid off, so if anybody else is in the same position, they should know that it can be done. If you feel strongly enough about pursuing a past case and the person is deceased, there is proof out there that it is worth it.”