JOHN ADAM FROM NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS AND THATTO HEATH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL

In a harrowing case that has left a lasting scar on the victims, John Adam, a man with connections to Newton-le-Willows and Thatto Heath, was convicted of heinous sexual offenses committed decades ago. The court heard that Adam, now 69, targeted two young girls during his time living in Newton-le-Willows, with his predatory actions spanning over 30 years before he was finally brought to justice.

The first victim, a teenage girl, endured repeated rapes and molestation at the hands of Adam, who was in his late 30s at the time. The trauma inflicted by his abuse left her feeling 'weak, disgusting, and alone,' a state that contributed to her self-harming behaviors and ongoing mental health struggles. The court was told that she kept her suffering hidden for over three decades, fearing threats and the potential impact on her loved ones if she spoke out earlier.

The second victim, a girl under the age of 10 at the time, was also subjected to molestation by Adam. Both women, now adults, bravely came forward in 2017 to report their experiences to the police, providing detailed victim statements that revealed the profound and lasting effects of Adam’s actions. Prosecutor Nicola Daley highlighted that the older victim’s mental health issues, including visible scars from self-harm, underscored the deep psychological scars left by the abuse. She explained that the victim’s self-esteem and sense of identity had been severely affected, influencing her choices and outlook on life.

During the four-day trial, Adam, who resided on Fidler Street in Thatto Heath, denied all allegations, forcing his victims to testify in court. The jury, after just three hours of deliberation, unanimously found him guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. The court was told that Adam’s offending began after a New Year’s Eve incident, which marked the start of a pattern of exploitation and abuse. The judge, Recorder Jeremy Lasker, described Adam’s actions as a calculated course of conduct, taking advantage of fleeting opportunities to assault the victims, including kissing and touching them inappropriately, often threatening them to silence.

Recorder Lasker emphasized that Adam’s abuse of the teenage girl escalated over time, culminating in regular rapes. The judge noted that Adam was fully aware of the wrongfulness of his actions, yet continued to exploit his victims’ vulnerabilities. The court heard that the teenage girl felt too scared and ashamed to report the abuse earlier, believing no one would believe her. Her testimony revealed the profound emotional toll, with her describing feelings of weakness, disgust, and isolation that persisted for decades.

Adam’s defense argued that he had no recent convictions and was suffering from serious health issues, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, angina, and osteoporosis. His legal team pointed out that he had experienced a heart attack two years prior and was now fitted with a stent, with his mobility and overall health significantly compromised. They urged the court to consider his age and health conditions, suggesting that imprisonment would have a severe impact on his well-being.

However, the judge was clear in his sentencing, describing Adam as an offender of particular concern. He acknowledged Adam’s age and health but stated that these factors could only minimally influence the severity of the sentence. The court sentenced Adam to 14 years in prison for his crimes. Throughout the proceedings and sentencing, Adam showed no visible emotion, maintaining a stoic demeanor in the dock. The judge concluded that Adam’s actions had caused enduring harm to his victims, especially the teenage girl, whose life had been profoundly affected by his abuse. The case serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of childhood sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims.