JOHN LIGHTWOOD FROM SILVERDALE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN BIRCHES HEAD PUB TOILETS
| Red Rose Database
Silverdale Sexual Abuser
In March 2014, a disturbing case unfolded involving John Lightwood, a resident of Silverdale, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a young boy inside the toilets of a pub located in Birches Head. The incident drew significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the circumstances leading up to it.
According to court reports, Lightwood, aged 44 at the time, had established a deceptive relationship with the victim's stepfather. He falsely claimed to own several pubs in the Blackpool area, using this pretense to gain the trust of the family. Lightwood then offered the stepfather employment opportunities, inviting him, his partner, and their child to a pub in Birches Head to discuss the potential job.
During the meeting, Lightwood appeared friendly and accommodating, even suggesting that he could look after the young boy if the family ever wanted a night out. The conversation took a sinister turn when the boy asked to use the toilet. Lightwood volunteered to accompany him, which raised suspicion among the family members. After a brief period, the stepfather became concerned when he noticed the boy and Lightwood near the hand-dryer in the toilet area.
Concerned, the stepfather went to check on them and found the boy running towards him, visibly distressed, and explaining that something inappropriate had happened. The boy disclosed that Lightwood had subjected him to a sexual act during the visit. The incident occurred in August of that year, and the boy's account prompted immediate action.
Lightwood fled the pub, leaving behind his coat, which was later collected by police. DNA evidence obtained from saliva on the boy’s underpants matched Lightwood, confirming his involvement. Despite initial denials, Lightwood was arrested and charged with sexual assault. He claimed to have possibly blacked out during the incident and was unaware of what transpired when he left the pub.
Witnesses later came forward, describing hearing noises emanating from the locked toilet cubicle, which they believed indicated a sexual encounter was taking place. These testimonies, along with physical evidence, contributed to the case against Lightwood.
During the court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, prosecutor David Bennett outlined Lightwood’s background, noting that he had previous convictions for five offences, none of which were sexual in nature. The court heard how Lightwood had fabricated stories about owning pubs in Blackpool to manipulate the victim’s family.
Lightwood’s defense, represented by Anis Ali, acknowledged the gravity of his actions, stating, “His behaviour on this day is inexcusable. He struggles, even now, to explain his behaviour. That’s not to say he’s trying to minimise what he did. He accepts full responsibility for these actions. He’s totally ashamed.” The defense also emphasized that Lightwood recognized the severity of his misconduct and the devastating impact it had on the young victim.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Lightwood to 32 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges. Additionally, Judge David Fletcher imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits Lightwood from contacting or residing in the same house as any person under 18. He is also required to keep law enforcement informed of his whereabouts for the remainder of his life, reflecting the seriousness of the case and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.
According to court reports, Lightwood, aged 44 at the time, had established a deceptive relationship with the victim's stepfather. He falsely claimed to own several pubs in the Blackpool area, using this pretense to gain the trust of the family. Lightwood then offered the stepfather employment opportunities, inviting him, his partner, and their child to a pub in Birches Head to discuss the potential job.
During the meeting, Lightwood appeared friendly and accommodating, even suggesting that he could look after the young boy if the family ever wanted a night out. The conversation took a sinister turn when the boy asked to use the toilet. Lightwood volunteered to accompany him, which raised suspicion among the family members. After a brief period, the stepfather became concerned when he noticed the boy and Lightwood near the hand-dryer in the toilet area.
Concerned, the stepfather went to check on them and found the boy running towards him, visibly distressed, and explaining that something inappropriate had happened. The boy disclosed that Lightwood had subjected him to a sexual act during the visit. The incident occurred in August of that year, and the boy's account prompted immediate action.
Lightwood fled the pub, leaving behind his coat, which was later collected by police. DNA evidence obtained from saliva on the boy’s underpants matched Lightwood, confirming his involvement. Despite initial denials, Lightwood was arrested and charged with sexual assault. He claimed to have possibly blacked out during the incident and was unaware of what transpired when he left the pub.
Witnesses later came forward, describing hearing noises emanating from the locked toilet cubicle, which they believed indicated a sexual encounter was taking place. These testimonies, along with physical evidence, contributed to the case against Lightwood.
During the court proceedings at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, prosecutor David Bennett outlined Lightwood’s background, noting that he had previous convictions for five offences, none of which were sexual in nature. The court heard how Lightwood had fabricated stories about owning pubs in Blackpool to manipulate the victim’s family.
Lightwood’s defense, represented by Anis Ali, acknowledged the gravity of his actions, stating, “His behaviour on this day is inexcusable. He struggles, even now, to explain his behaviour. That’s not to say he’s trying to minimise what he did. He accepts full responsibility for these actions. He’s totally ashamed.” The defense also emphasized that Lightwood recognized the severity of his misconduct and the devastating impact it had on the young victim.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Lightwood to 32 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges. Additionally, Judge David Fletcher imposed a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits Lightwood from contacting or residing in the same house as any person under 18. He is also required to keep law enforcement informed of his whereabouts for the remainder of his life, reflecting the seriousness of the case and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.