JOHN WHITEHOUSE FROM BRIERFIELD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN EAST LANCASHIRE AND BARNOLDSWICK

In April 2019, a disturbing case involving John Whitehouse, a man from Brierfield, unfolded in East Lancashire, revealing a pattern of predatory sexual offenses against young children. The court proceedings detailed the heinous acts committed by Whitehouse, who was convicted of raping three children and engaging in multiple sexual assaults over several years.

Burnley Crown Court heard harrowing testimony about Whitehouse’s conduct, which spanned across different locations in East Lancashire. The court was informed that Whitehouse, aged 46 at the time, had repeatedly raped two of his victims, with one of these victims being subjected to assault more than once. In a disturbing exchange, he offered one of the children presents, such as shoes, in an attempt to manipulate and coerce her into sexual favors. The second victim, who was only six years old when the abuse began, feared that she had become pregnant as a result of Whitehouse’s assault. On one occasion, Whitehouse physically threatened her by grabbing her by the throat and warning her that he would kill her if she ever disclosed what had happened.

The third victim, who also suffered sexual assault, claimed that Whitehouse only assaulted her once. However, the court was told that Whitehouse made threats to ensure her silence, demonstrating a manipulative and predatory pattern of behavior. Prosecutor David Traynor highlighted the severity of the case, emphasizing that Whitehouse’s youngest victim was just six years old when the abuse started, and the assaults took place at multiple locations across East Lancashire.

Judge Sara Dodd delivered a stern judgment, condemning Whitehouse for the significant and lasting psychological harm inflicted upon his victims. She noted that her findings included that Whitehouse had driven one of the victims to attempt suicide, underscoring the profound impact of his actions. The judge described Whitehouse as a “predatory and manipulative sexual offender,” criticizing his lack of insight into the consequences of his conduct and his self-obsessed attitude.

Further aggravating the case was Whitehouse’s consistent denial of the allegations during police interviews. He was questioned three times—in 2007, 2013, and 2016—and continued to deny any wrongdoing until the day of his trial in February. It was only then that he admitted to 12 counts of sexual abuse, including charges of rape, sexual assault, indecent assault, and sexual offenses involving children under 13. In addition to these admissions, Whitehouse, of Castle Street, Brierfield, pleaded guilty to breaching a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO). This breach occurred in July when he was left unsupervised at home with three children, violating the restrictions imposed by a previous SOPO he received in 2013 after being convicted of having sex with a 14-year-old girl he had groomed online.

Whitehouse’s criminal history also includes a previous conviction from June 2013, when he was sentenced for grooming and having sex with a vulnerable 14-year-old girl from Pendle. The court heard that Whitehouse, a married father of three, had engaged in online chats with the girl before meeting her in person. They had sex at her home after she was sent home from school due to illness, and also engaged in sexual activity in a forest after meeting in a park in the Colne area. The girl, who was experiencing difficulties at school and at home, told police that Whitehouse made her feel “wanted for the first time.”

At the time of these offenses, Whitehouse was unemployed and on bail for allegedly grooming a 12-year-old girl. The victim eventually confided in a friend, leading to police involvement. Whitehouse was arrested on February 27 and initially questioned whether the allegations were a joke. He admitted to eight counts of sexual activity with a child, which took place over a three-week period in February. The court was told that Whitehouse had made efforts to conceal his intentions, persuading the girl to allow him into her home and engaging in multiple sexual encounters, some in wooded areas. Evidence included Valentine’s cards, a locket, and a bra, which Whitehouse claimed were meant to cheer her up, denying any sexual activity. Despite his denials, forensic evidence proved otherwise.

In her impact statement, the victim expressed feelings of confusion, self-blame, and loss of friends, revealing the profound emotional toll of Whitehouse’s actions. Although Whitehouse had 11 previous offenses, none involved sexual misconduct prior to these incidents.

Judge Simon Newell sentenced Whitehouse to a lengthy custodial term, emphasizing the significant risk he posed to the public, especially to vulnerable children. The judge highlighted that Whitehouse, at 40 years old during the 2013 offenses, was well aware of the victim’s age and the danger he represented, yet chose to proceed with his criminal behavior. The court’s decision reflected the seriousness of his crimes and the need to protect society from further harm.