PAUL CARSON FROM MIDDLEWICH ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER

In a recent case that has sparked outrage within the community of Middlewich, the family of a young female victim expressed their deep disappointment and frustration with the British justice system after a man accused of sexual assault received a relatively lenient sentence. Paul Carson, a resident of Kings Crescent in Middlewich, appeared before Warrington Crown Court on Friday, May 16, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault involving a female victim.

Carson, aged 37 at the time, was handed a sentence that many consider insufficient given the severity of his crimes. The court imposed a three-year supervision order, which requires him to attend a behavioural modification program aimed at addressing his conduct. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of five years and was instructed to pay prosecution costs amounting to £550. Despite these measures, the family of the victim, who was only 16 years old at the time of the assault, voiced their disapproval, asserting that justice had not been fully served.

A relative of the young woman stated, “If he hadn’t changed his plea to guilty, he would have gone to prison.” She went on to criticize the sentence, saying, “It’s just not good enough. Why should he get away with it when he’s put these young girls through hell?” The family member revealed that the trauma inflicted on the victim was profound, noting that she was so affected by the incident that she was unable to work for three months afterward.

“She had to pack her job in,” the relative explained. “She couldn’t go back to work because she was too frightened and embarrassed. She’s alright about it now, she feels that she can move on, but she doesn’t want to have to walk the streets and see him.” The emotional toll on the victim was significant, highlighting the lasting impact of the assault.

During the court proceedings, the judge clarified that Carson was not disqualified from working with children, as his occupation as a welder did not involve contact with minors. This decision was met with further criticism from the victim’s family, who emphasized the importance of community awareness. “What he’s done isn’t right, and everyone deserves to know he lives in this town,” the relative said. “People have a right to know there’s a sex offender living in their street.” The case has reignited debates about sentencing and community safety, especially in small towns like Middlewich where residents seek reassurance and justice for victims of sexual crimes.