NEIL O’BRIEN LIVES NEAR LATCHFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL: COMMUNITY IN SHOCK

In June 2007, residents of Henshall Avenue in Latchford were left deeply disturbed and alarmed after it emerged that Neil O’Brien, a convicted sex offender, was residing just yards from their homes. The revelation has sparked widespread concern among local families, especially those with children attending nearby schools.

Parents in the area expressed their outrage and disbelief upon discovering that O’Brien, aged 39, had been living in the neighborhood without prior knowledge. The community was further unsettled when anonymous letters, alerting residents to his presence, were circulated through their letterboxes on a Thursday, intensifying fears about safety and security.

Neil O’Brien’s criminal record involves a serious conviction related to a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl. The details of his offense, which led to his imprisonment, have caused considerable distress among the local population. A parent, who wished to remain anonymous, voiced their frustration, questioning why the community was not informed about his re-housing. “Why did we not know he was living here? How can a criminal be protected? It is an outrage,” they said.

The atmosphere on the street has noticeably changed since the news broke. Concerned parents have become increasingly cautious, restricting their children’s outdoor activities and avoiding the street altogether. The community’s sense of safety has been compromised, with many feeling vulnerable and anxious about the potential risks.

Activists operating under the banner of the Hood Manor Paedophile Awareness Group were responsible for exposing O’Brien’s residence. They highlighted the fact that he has been living at the address with his parents since his release from prison in June of the previous year. The community’s outrage was compounded by the fact that O’Brien’s home is located on a street where approximately 170 children attend St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, raising fears about the proximity of a known sex offender to a vulnerable population.

Local residents voiced their dismay at the lack of communication from authorities. One neighbor remarked, “Already a neighbour has been banging on the door with disgust that the parents are allowing the sick man to live with them.”

Official confirmation of O’Brien’s status as a convicted sex offender came from a spokesperson for Preston Crown Court, where he was sentenced in April 2005. The court records show that O’Brien received a 30-month prison sentence, followed by an additional 24 months on extended licence. His conviction involved sexual activity with a female under the age of 16. As part of his sentence, he was disqualified from working with children and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Cleworth, head of Warrington CID and the Police Public Protection Unit, addressed community concerns. He explained that registered sex offenders are subject to strict management and monitoring, which includes residence restrictions and regular police notifications. Cleworth emphasized that offenders are risk-assessed and managed through multi-agency protection panels, with high-risk individuals being closely supervised, sometimes through covert surveillance. He warned that efforts by pressure groups to publicize offenders could inadvertently make their management more difficult, potentially driving offenders underground and increasing risks to public safety.

Cleworth reassured residents that the police’s structured approach to managing sex offenders is designed to protect the community at all times. He acknowledged the community’s fears but stressed that the system in place aims to balance offender management with public safety, emphasizing that the police are committed to maintaining a secure environment for all residents of Latchford.