JOHN MOONEY FROM CARLISLE SENTENCED FOR STALKING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR CARLISLE

A man from Carlisle, identified as 46-year-old John Mooney, faced serious allegations in connection with a disturbing case of stalking and sexual assault involving a woman he barely knew. The incident, which took place in the city of Carlisle, was brought to light during a court hearing at Rickergate Court, where the details of Mooney’s troubling behavior were thoroughly examined.

According to the prosecution, the troubling events began in June of the previous year, shortly after Mooney relocated to a new area within Carlisle. Prosecutor George Shelley outlined how Mooney engaged in a persistent pattern of unwanted conduct towards the woman, who is in her thirties. The court heard that Mooney initially approached her with a casual greeting, greeting her with the words “Hello Sexy,” a phrase that set the tone for the subsequent distressing encounters.

Over the course of approximately a month, Mooney’s behavior escalated. He began to make personal advances, attempting to initiate conversations that made the woman feel increasingly uncomfortable. As the weeks progressed, Mooney shared details about his personal life, which the woman found intrusive and unwelcome. Despite her clear refusals, he continued to ask her to go out drinking with him, persistently pressing her even after she repeatedly declined.

Furthermore, Mooney inquired about her personal circumstances, disregarding her wishes to keep her private life separate. The court was told that the woman explicitly told him to stop asking such questions, emphasizing that it was none of his business. During one of these encounters, Mooney crossed a line by putting his arm around her and touching her inappropriately. The woman responded immediately by pulling away and questioning his actions. Mooney later attempted to apologize through a letter, offering an explanation for his behavior.

The following day, Mooney was observed outside her residence, although she remained inside, hiding from him. Despite these unsettling events, Mooney continued to greet her with the same inappropriate phrase, “Hello Sexy,” whenever he saw her. The court noted that Mooney had no prior convictions, and his defense lawyer, Sean Harkin, suggested that his behavior might have been linked to the emotional turmoil following his breakup with his wife. Harkin acknowledged that this context does not excuse Mooney’s actions but provides some understanding of his state of mind at the time.

Harkin also emphasized that Mooney expressed remorse and wished to apologize to the victim. The defense argued that Mooney posed a low risk of reoffending and that his actions appeared to be isolated incidents during a difficult period in his life.

In sentencing, magistrates decided on a 16-week jail term, which was suspended for one year, meaning Mooney would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. The court also issued a restraining order, prohibiting any contact with the victim, and mandated that Mooney’s name be entered onto the Sex Offender Register for seven years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £85 and a victim surcharge of £154, reflecting the court’s stance on the seriousness of his conduct and the need for accountability.