JOHN JOUGHIN FROM LITHERLAND AND WARRINGTON SENTENCED FOR DECADES OF CHILD SEX ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Litherland and Warrington, John Joughin, an 82-year-old man, has been convicted of a long history of heinous sexual offenses against young children spanning over three decades. The elderly defendant, who was once a lorry driver, was brought before Liverpool Crown Court to face charges related to the abuse of two young girls and a boy, all of whom were victims of his sickening manipulations and assaults.

Throughout the court proceedings, it was revealed that Joughin had groomed and molested these children, some as young as four years old. His actions included forcing the victims to participate in degrading 'games' designed to satisfy his perverse desires, often under the threat of secrecy. The court heard that he had inflicted nine counts of indecent assault and seven counts of indecency with a child, with the abuse occurring over a period of approximately 30 years, primarily in the Litherland area.

Judge Robert Warnock, presiding over the case, sentenced Joughin to a total of 11 years and three months in prison. During the sentencing, the judge emphasized the profound harm caused by Joughin’s actions, stating, “The damage that you have done is enormous. You have in effect stolen their childhoods, and that applies to each of the three victims in this case.”

Prosecutor Philip Clemmo detailed the horrific nature of the abuse, describing how the victims, whose identities remain protected, were coerced into performing sexual acts on Joughin. The court was told that the young boy was subjected to repeated oral rape, with one victim recalling that she went along with the acts because she believed that was what she was supposed to do. The court also heard chilling accounts of Joughin forcing two of the children to perform sexual acts on him in exchange for a mere pound, all while warning them to keep their suffering a secret.

Further disturbing revelations included Joughin’s manipulation of the victims through exposure to pornography, which he made one girl watch despite her distress. She even attempted to distract herself with Play-Dough, but Joughin continued to model intimate body parts for her and encouraged her to name them. One victim described feeling as if she was almost his wife due to the level of inappropriate contact she endured.

Victims’ impact statements read aloud in court painted a bleak picture of the lasting trauma inflicted by Joughin. The male victim expressed feelings of disbelief, explaining that he thought Joughin was a well-loved, larger-than-life figure, which made it difficult for him to believe he would be believed about the abuse. One female victim shared her feelings of worthlessness and disgust, stating, “I felt like nobody loved me, I was just like a nobody in life. It made me feel dirty and completely violated.” Another victim revealed that her inability to love or trust men in her adult relationships stemmed from her childhood experiences.

It was also disclosed that Joughin had previously served an 18-month sentence in the 1990s for indecent assault, after another victim came forward about recent abuse. However, the court acknowledged that the laws governing sentencing at that time were more lenient than current standards. Judge Warnock remarked on the bravery of the victims in providing their statements, contrasting their courage with Joughin’s own actions for sexual gratification.

Currently residing on Marshall Avenue in Bewsey, Warrington, Joughin was classified as an ‘offender of particular concern’ by the court. As part of his sentence, he received an additional year on license, and he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the importance of justice for the victims involved.