JOHN MURPHY FROM WIDNES SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN WARRINGTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, John Murphy, a 43-year-old resident of Wright Crescent in Widnes, was sentenced to two years in prison following his conviction for the sexual assault of a young girl. The incident took place at Murphy's residence in Warrington, where he targeted a 14-year-old girl who was under the influence of alcohol and was asleep at the time.

The assault occurred on the night of November 22 of the previous year. According to court reports, Murphy had deliberately given the girl alcohol, rendering her intoxicated and vulnerable. While she was asleep in his home, Murphy sexually assaulted her twice. The girl, who is from Runcorn, later woke up in Murphy's bed to find him abusing her. Distressed and confused, she left his house shortly afterward and returned home.

The girl confided in her mother and also told a friend who was present outside Murphy's house during the incident. Her disclosures led to the police being involved, and Murphy was subsequently arrested. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Jon Wilson, who emphasized the importance of the case and the sentence handed down.

At Warrington Crown Court, Murphy was found guilty of the charges and was sentenced to two years in prison. Additionally, he is required to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for a period of ten years, a measure that will ensure close monitoring by law enforcement authorities to prevent any future offenses.

DC Wilson commented on the outcome, stating, “I think under the circumstances it was a fair sentence. Certainly having to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for that period of time is good because he will be closely monitored by the police, which will help prevent the risk of him assaulting other girls in future. The whole ordeal has had a very detrimental effect on the girl and we are pleased with the outcome.”

The sentencing drew a strong reaction from the public gallery, where Murphy’s supporters, many of whom were family members, expressed their disagreement with the court’s decision. One of Murphy’s daughters was visibly upset, crying as she said, “I want to see my dad.”

DC Wilson addressed the emotional reactions, noting, “In cases like this, they tend to fracture the family apart, with them either believing one person or the other. Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but on the basis of the evidence, the right result was drawn out.”