JOSHUA PATERSON FROM NORTHWICH JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Northwich, a police community support officer named Joshua Paterson has been sentenced to prison after admitting to multiple serious sexual offences involving a young girl. The incident, which took place over several months, has left a lasting impact on the victim and has raised concerns about safeguarding and the conduct of law enforcement personnel.

Paterson, aged 27 and residing on Meadow Drive in Northwich, appeared before Chester Crown Court to face the charges. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual assault, acknowledging his involvement in grooming and abusing the girl when she was only 15 years old. The court was told that Paterson had initially established contact with the girl through social media platforms before his employment with the police force.

The grooming process reportedly began shortly after their initial online interaction. Prosecutor Simon Parry detailed that within days of first contacting her, Paterson arranged to meet her in person. Their first meeting took place at Moses Gate Country Park, where he allegedly placed his hands down her pants during the encounter. The court heard that on another occasion, the girl traveled to Paterson’s home in Winsford, where they stayed for two nights, during which they engaged in sexual activity.

Further evidence revealed that Paterson had picked the girl up from school on two separate occasions. He also took her to a party, where they again engaged in sexual acts. On yet another occasion, the victim was assaulted after school in a park, adding to the series of disturbing incidents.

The court was presented with a victim impact statement, in which the girl described the profound psychological effects of the abuse. She stated, “I was having nightmares every night. Four years on I still have trouble sleeping. I often have panic attacks in the night. It left me scared of leaving the flat. I’m trying my hardest not to let my mental state affect what I want to achieve in life.”

Judge Patrick Thompson sentenced Joshua Paterson to four years and eight months in prison, reflecting the severity of his crimes. During the investigation, authorities seized Paterson’s mobile phone, which contained evidence of online activity with the victim. It was also revealed that Paterson had a sexual fetish for the schoolgirl look, asking her to wear long over-the-knee socks, shorts, and a top, indicating a specific preference.

After the relationship ended, Paterson attempted to downplay the allegations, telling the girl that the accusations could harm his career in the police force. Prosecutor Simon Parry highlighted that the victim suffered significant mental health issues as a result of the abuse, including panic attacks and depression, which required medication. The girl even sent Paterson a message saying, “you really messed me up,” to which he responded dismissively, claiming that her accusations could damage his career because he was now working for the police.

The case underscores the devastating impact of grooming and sexual abuse, especially when perpetrated by someone in a position of authority. The community of Northwich is left to grapple with the revelations and the consequences of this disturbing case.