SHROPSHIRE MAN LIAM PURNELL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN SHROPSHIRE
In a case that has shocked the local community, Liam Purnell, a 50-year-old man with no fixed address in Shropshire, was sentenced to serve a total of 18 months in prison following his conviction on serious charges involving a minor.The offences took place in December of the previous year and involved disturbing acts of a sexual nature committed in front of a young girl, as well as subsequent inappropriate communications.
On December 29, 2018, Purnell was found to have engaged in a sexual act on himself in the presence of the teenage girl.
The court was told that just two days later, Purnell sent her text messages discussing what he had done, including an explicit image, which further compounded the severity of his actions.
These messages were considered a clear indication of his continued inappropriate engagement with the minor after the initial incident.
The case was heard at Shrewsbury Crown Court, where Purnell pleaded guilty to two charges: one of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and another of sexual communication with a child.
Prosecutor Mr.
Graham Russell outlined the details of the case, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the offences and the impact on the young girl involved.
During the proceedings, Purnell’s defense lawyer, Mr.
Thomas Kenning, explained that his client had recently experienced the loss of his employment, which he described as a factor contributing to his actions.
Mr.
Kenning characterized the offences as part of a
