JOHN SCHOFIELD OF ACCRINGTON SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Accrington, John Schofield, a 42-year-old man with a troubling criminal history, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for grooming and engaging in sexual acts with a young girl who was described as being 'brainwashed' by his manipulative tactics.

During the proceedings at Burnley Crown Court, it was revealed that Schofield, a former soldier, had targeted the girl, exploiting her vulnerability and psychological state to carry out his perverted intentions. The court heard that Schofield had not only groomed the victim but also attempted to perform a sexual act on her, an act that was described as part of his disturbing pattern of behavior aimed at satisfying his sexual interests in minors.

Schofield’s criminal past was also brought into focus. In May 2000, he was convicted of two counts of rape by a Court Martial, which resulted in a nine-year prison sentence. The court documented that he had attacked a woman while she was wearing only a black balaclava, threatening her with death during the assault. Following his release, Schofield’s history of violence and sexual offenses cast a long shadow over his current case.

Recently, Schofield admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a child and inciting a child to participate in sexual acts. As a result, the judge imposed a five-year extended license, emphasizing the dangerous nature of his conduct. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to an indefinite sexual offences prevention order, which explicitly prohibits him from having any contact with children under the age of 16.

The court was informed that the victim confided in someone about Schofield’s actions, prompting police intervention. Schofield was arrested on March 31 and taken into custody for questioning. During the investigation, authorities seized his laptop, which revealed over 100 Google searches of a highly inappropriate nature, indicating an obsessive interest in sexual activities involving young girls.

Schofield’s defense attorney, Jonathan Gregg, acknowledged that custody was inevitable given the severity of his crimes. The judge, Recorder Simon Medland, QC, described Schofield’s actions as ‘grossly serious’ and emphasized the gravity of his offenses, which have caused significant concern within the community of Accrington. The sentencing reflects the court’s recognition of the need to protect vulnerable minors from individuals like Schofield, whose predatory behavior has now been formally condemned and penalized.