PATRICK MCCANN SENTENCED IN BLACKBURN FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL
In November 2008, a man identified as Patrick McCann was sentenced to serve six years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a young girl in the Blackburn area.The court proceedings revealed that McCann, who is currently without a fixed address, faced eight counts of indecent assault, all of which he denied.
However, following a trial, a jury found him guilty of these charges, leading to his imprisonment.
In addition to his prison sentence, McCann was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register for life, a measure that will remain in effect even after his release from incarceration.
Furthermore, upon eventual release, he will be subject to an extended prison licence period lasting three years, during which he will be under strict supervision and restrictions aimed at preventing any further offences.
At 61 years old, McCann's criminal record includes 51 previous offences, though none of these were related to sexual misconduct.
The sentencing judge, Judge Andrew Woolman, emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “It is clear that only a custodial sentence is appropriate.
I have come to the conclusion there has to be a substantial sentence of imprisonment.
The normal licence period would not be sufficient to protect the public from you.” During the sentencing hearing at Preston Crown Court, McCann’s legal representative, Ken Hind, provided insight into the profound impact the charges and subsequent conviction had on McCann’s life.
Hind explained that McCann’s life had been “turned upside down” by the allegations, and highlighted the difficulties he faced as a result.
Hind detailed that McCann, at his age, would be under constant protection and restrictions during his imprisonment.
He also noted that McCann’s personal circumstances had been severely affected: his ex-wife had passed away while he was in custody, and he was unable to attend her funeral.
Additionally, he lost his home and friends he had met through his local mosque, where he had converted to Islam and given up alcohol.
Hind pointed out that McCann was a regular attendee at prayers, but since his conviction, he had faced hostility from his community.
The barrister further explained that McCann’s future would be heavily regulated, and he risked becoming a social pariah within his community.
Despite the hardships, the court recognized the need for a lengthy sentence to serve as a deterrent and to protect the public from potential future harm.
McCann’s conviction and sentence serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with sexual offences, especially those involving vulnerable victims in Blackburn.
