JAMES CUNLIFFE OF ST HELENS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILDREN

In a case that has shocked the community of St Helens, a 64-year-old man named James Cunliffe has been convicted of serious sexual offenses involving young girls. Cunliffe, a resident of Lorton Avenue in St Helens, was found guilty of molesting two young girls over a span of nearly three decades. His actions have led to a significant legal sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

According to the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, Cunliffe admitted to the sexual abuse of two victims, both of whom were minors at the time of the offenses. The court heard that the most recent incident occurred in 2003, when the victim was 15 years old. The girl recounted that Cunliffe had shown her a pornographic video and laughed as he left the room, after which he sexually assaulted her. The abuse did not stop there; Cunliffe continued to molest her on subsequent occasions, with the girl expressing her fear that he intended to have sexual intercourse with her.

It was only in April of the previous year that the girl confided in her family and contacted the police, revealing the details of her abuse. Following this disclosure and subsequent publicity, authorities were able to identify and bring forward another victim, who had been abused nearly 30 years earlier. This second victim, now an adult, came forward to report that Cunliffe had indecently assaulted her in 1976 when she was just 11 years old.

Judge William George presided over the case and addressed Cunliffe directly, noting the seriousness of the offenses and the breach of trust involved. Cunliffe, who sat with his head bowed during the sentencing, was sentenced to four years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life, a measure that underscores the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

The court also imposed restrictions on Cunliffe’s future activities, banning him indefinitely from working with children and from residing or staying in any house where children are present unless a responsible adult is present. The judge emphasized the importance of protecting children from individuals like Cunliffe, whose actions have caused lasting harm and trauma.