JAMES FRANKLIN OF RADCLIFFE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRL IN BURY
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Radcliffe Sexual Abuser
In a case that has shocked the local community, James Franklin, a 41-year-old man from Gingham Park in Radcliffe, was sentenced to two years in prison for serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The incident, which took place over a period between 2000 and 2002, involved Franklin engaging in inappropriate and abusive behavior towards a girl who was only five or six years old at the time.
According to court proceedings held at Bolton Crown Court in Bury last Thursday, Franklin was found guilty of kissing the young girl and forcing her to perform a sexual act in his bed. The court heard that Franklin stopped his assault only when the girl began to cry and pleaded with him not to tell anyone about what had happened. The young girl kept her ordeal secret for several years, only revealing the abuse to a friend in May of the previous year, which led to Franklin’s arrest.
During the initial police interview, Franklin claimed that the girl had initiated the act out of “natural curiosity,” attempting to justify his actions. However, he later pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and indecency with a child, acknowledging his wrongdoing.
Representing Franklin, his defense lawyer Tina Landale expressed remorse and highlighted that her client now fully understands the gravity of his actions. She stated, “This is a man who made a dreadful mistake many years ago, but he is not the same man. He was ashamed and he is ashamed.” She also emphasized that Franklin did not repeat his behavior and suggested that he would benefit from a rehabilitation program for sex offenders.
Despite these pleas, Judge Maureen Roddy was firm in her decision, asserting that a custodial sentence was necessary to serve justice and protect the community. Franklin was therefore sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was banned from living, working with, or having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16 for a period of five years.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Roddy condemned Franklin’s actions, stating, “The notion that a little girl of five or six years old could have instigated that act is absolutely repellent. One can only imagine the difficulty that young lady has labored under in concealing what you have done to her.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Radcliffe, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from abuse.
According to court proceedings held at Bolton Crown Court in Bury last Thursday, Franklin was found guilty of kissing the young girl and forcing her to perform a sexual act in his bed. The court heard that Franklin stopped his assault only when the girl began to cry and pleaded with him not to tell anyone about what had happened. The young girl kept her ordeal secret for several years, only revealing the abuse to a friend in May of the previous year, which led to Franklin’s arrest.
During the initial police interview, Franklin claimed that the girl had initiated the act out of “natural curiosity,” attempting to justify his actions. However, he later pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault and indecency with a child, acknowledging his wrongdoing.
Representing Franklin, his defense lawyer Tina Landale expressed remorse and highlighted that her client now fully understands the gravity of his actions. She stated, “This is a man who made a dreadful mistake many years ago, but he is not the same man. He was ashamed and he is ashamed.” She also emphasized that Franklin did not repeat his behavior and suggested that he would benefit from a rehabilitation program for sex offenders.
Despite these pleas, Judge Maureen Roddy was firm in her decision, asserting that a custodial sentence was necessary to serve justice and protect the community. Franklin was therefore sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender and was banned from living, working with, or having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16 for a period of five years.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Roddy condemned Franklin’s actions, stating, “The notion that a little girl of five or six years old could have instigated that act is absolutely repellent. One can only imagine the difficulty that young lady has labored under in concealing what you have done to her.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Radcliffe, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from abuse.