WIGTON MAN JOHN MOSSTOP SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CUMBRIA

In a case that has shocked the community of Wigton, a 69-year-old man named John Mossop has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to a series of serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The offences, which spanned over four years, have left a lasting impact on the victim, who is now an adult and has suffered from persistent flashbacks and emotional trauma.

John George Mossop, a resident of Greenacres in Wigton, pleaded guilty to eight charges related to his sexual abuse of the girl, beginning when she was just 14 years old. The charges included six counts of sexual assault, which were described as specimen charges, along with two additional serious sexual offenses. The court heard that the abuse was both prolonged and deeply damaging, with Mossop’s actions leaving the victim in a state of significant distress.

During the proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Kim Whittlestone, detailed how the abuse started and continued over several years. The victim, now an adult woman, had come forward after experiencing relentless flashbacks that compelled her to seek police assistance. She recounted feeling overwhelmed by her memories and distress, which ultimately led her to contact law enforcement authorities.

Miss Whittlestone emphasized that the victim remembered feeling terrified during the abuse, and that Mossop had repeatedly told her not to disclose what was happening. The court was told that these experiences had left her mentally shattered, and although she had tried to move past the trauma, she felt she had no choice but to report the crimes. Her decision to come forward was driven by her desire to seek justice and find some relief from her suffering.

When Mossop was arrested, he admitted to the abuse, confessing that he had done it for his own gratification. The prosecution highlighted that Mossop appeared remorseful during police interviews, expressing regret and stating that he wished he had not committed the offenses. However, he was unable to provide a clear explanation for his actions.

Representing Mossop, defense barrister Greg Hoare described his client as a man of previously good character who was the primary carer for his ailing wife. Mr. Hoare expressed concern about Mossop’s age and limited experience, suggesting that prison life would be particularly challenging for him. He also noted that Mossop’s main worry was the impact his incarceration would have on his wife, stating, “Mr Mossop’s overriding preoccupation was not been with the impact of a custodial sentence on him but with the impact it will have on his wife. He’ll feel most acutely the impact on her. He feels he’s let his wife down badly at a critical time in her life.”

Judge Paul Batty QC delivered the sentence, acknowledging the profound and lasting damage caused to the victim. He stated, “It’s plain from what she’s said that the abuse has left her scarred emotionally, and for years afterwards, she suffered flashbacks.” As part of his punishment, Mossop will be registered on the Sex Offender’s Register for ten years. Additionally, he will be prohibited from having unsupervised contact with children under 16 and from working with minors in any capacity, in accordance with the court’s orders aimed at protecting others from potential harm.