JOHN HENDERSON SENTENCED IN MANCHESTER FOR SEXUAL OFFENSE INVOLVING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In April 2007, John Henderson was sentenced to 15 months in prison after being convicted of causing a 14-year-old girl to engage in a sexual act at his home. The incident occurred after the girl visited Henderson’s house in Sandgate Drive, Urmston, under the pretense of playing computer games. The court heard that Henderson, a father of four, encouraged the young girl—who was experiencing family difficulties—into his bed during a moment described as a "moment of madness." Henderson was found guilty by a jury in February of this incident, which took place the previous year.

After the act, Henderson reportedly told the girl, "That was the best fun I’ve had in years." During mitigation, defence counsel Charlotte Holland addressed the court, stating, "The pre-sentence report recommends a suspended sentence but I have no instructions from the defendant to put that forward. He has always been a hardworking family man, with a number of children, and remains very close to them. He has lost his employment and has limited contact with one of his sons, seeing him only four times a year. The situation is very different from how he raised his other children. His partner continues to support him."

Holland added, "It was effectively one moment of madness, with consequences for his family and himself. His mother currently has a collapsed lung and is on borrowed time, and he won’t be with her when the time comes."

Judge Timothy Mort addressed Henderson’s actions during sentencing, stating, "You offered her emotional support, saying she could ask you for help. You became sexually aroused by her presence. You said it was the best fun you’d had in years. I believe this was a moment of madness and I see no indication it will happen again. She is now trying to move past this. She was young enough to be your daughter. The public expects a custodial sentence; however, you have no prior convictions. I believe there is good in you, and I take that into account."

During the trial, Henderson was acquitted of any sexual activity with the girl. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.