JOHN PHOENIX AND STACEY WESTWOOD SHOCK LEIGH WITH CHILD ABUSE AND RAPE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the Leigh community, a 12-year-old girl was subjected to a series of heinous acts by John Phoenix, aged 30, who took her out to a nightclub and engaged in criminal behavior that has left her traumatized for life. The incident, which unfolded in September 2018, involved Phoenix luring the young girl into a night of alcohol consumption and ultimately assaulting her while she was unconscious.

According to court reports, Phoenix convinced the girl to join him for an evening at Cafe Stella club in Leigh after they had exchanged messages over Snapchat for approximately two weeks. The girl, whose identity remains protected, was then taken to Phoenix’s flat in Leigh, Greater Manchester, where the nightmare continued. He reportedly forced her to share a prolonged kiss with his girlfriend, Stacey Westwood, aged 29, before taking her back to his residence. Once there, the girl passed out and was unaware of what transpired during her unconscious state. When she awoke approximately 14 hours later, she had no memory of the events that had taken place.

Medical examinations confirmed that Phoenix had raped her while she was unconscious, a revelation that has devastated her family and the local community. The girl’s mother expressed her anguish, stating, “This is every parent’s worst nightmare and I feel like I have failed in my parental duties. I felt so angry when he said that he thought she was 17. I am so worried about her, I have even contemplated sleeping by the front door just in case she tries to leave again. She is so precious to me and I don’t want to hear how she blames herself for what happened and how she wants to die. When I found out what the female did to my daughter as well, I felt sick. I found it hard to comprehend.”

Police launched a three-day search for the girl after her mother reported her missing on the night Phoenix sent a cab to pick her up. During the investigation, authorities issued a public appeal for information, which led to Phoenix being identified through a social media image of the girl. Phoenix recognized her and confirmed her identity by asking, “Is that you?” to which she responded affirmatively. Despite this, he kept her in his flat while he went out with friends.

When arrested, Phoenix claimed he believed the girl was 17 years old, a statement that has been met with widespread condemnation. The court heard that Phoenix had taken her to his apartment, where she was later found to have been assaulted. The girl has since attempted to take her own life, highlighting the severe psychological impact of the ordeal.

At Bolton Crown Court, Phoenix pleaded guilty to the charge of rape and was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He had previously been convicted of child abduction at an earlier hearing. His accomplice, Stacey Westwood, was also brought to justice. She admitted to sexual assault and received a four-month jail sentence, suspended for two years. Additionally, Westwood was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years, reflecting the seriousness of her involvement in the case.

This case has left a lasting scar on the community of Leigh, raising urgent questions about safeguarding and the protection of vulnerable children from predatory adults. The court’s verdict underscores the gravity of such offenses and the importance of holding offenders accountable to prevent future tragedies.