PAUL LAWRINSON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN WARRINGTON AND BIRCHWOOD FOREST PARK
A man from Warrington, Paul Lawrinson, has been convicted and sentenced to prison for serious sexual offenses involving a young boy.The disturbing case came to light after Lawrinson engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with a child in the back of his vehicle, actions that have now led to a lengthy custodial sentence.
Lawrinson, aged 50, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on a recent Friday to face sentencing after admitting to charges of raping a child under the age of 13 and sexually assaulting the same child.
These charges stem from a series of troubling events that unfolded over a period of time, involving online grooming, deception, and physical abuse.
The case was brought to court following a report from Cheshire Police, which was initiated after a safeguarding team raised concerns about the child's reported sexual activity with an adult male.
The victim, whose identity is protected by law, had previously created an account on the Grindr social media platform, claiming to be an 18-year-old man seeking casual encounters.
This online profile was used by Lawrinson to initiate contact with the boy, and their conversations quickly turned sexual in nature.
According to the prosecution, Rebecca Smith, the police received messages exchanged between the two, which initially appeared to be innocent but soon escalated into explicit discussions about meeting up for sexual activities.
An arrangement was made for the boy to meet Lawrinson at Sankey Valley Park, which ultimately led to the assault.
On the day of the incident, the boy traveled to Lawrinson’s vehicle, where he was instructed to sit in the back seat.
Lawrinson joined him, and after some casual conversation, the topic shifted to sexual acts.
Lawrinson requested that the boy perform a sexual act on him, which the boy did, although he later told police that this made him feel 'slightly uncomfortable' and that he felt unable to leave.
The court clarified that there was no evidence to suggest Lawrinson physically forced him to stay.
Following the sexual activity, Lawrinson paid the boy £50 and they parted ways.
Despite this, their online conversations continued, with discussions about further sexual encounters and potential rewards or gifts.
A subsequent meeting was arranged for the following day, during which Lawrinson falsely claimed the boy was 16, not 18, to facilitate their meeting.
During this second encounter, the boy decided not to engage in any sexual activity with Lawrinson.
However, they did share a kiss, and Lawrinson encouraged the boy to touch him over clothing, which he did.
As part of the exchange, Lawrinson provided the boy with vapes before they separated.
The authorities became involved after a family member discovered messages between the boy and Lawrinson.
Investigations included analyzing the boy’s clothing, which matched samples taken from Lawrinson.
Lawrinson was arrested on March 13 at Birchwood Forest Park, in a car park near Birchwood Forest Park, where police seized his mobile phones.
During his arrest, Lawrinson told officers, “It all makes sense now.
He said he was 18, then 16.
I said he looked young.
I got scared.” A forensic examination of his mobile devices revealed messages and his Grindr profile, which indicated he sought out young males under 25 and was willing to reward them for sexual favors.
In police interviews, Lawrinson chose to answer questions with “no comment.” The case also included a victim impact statement from the boy, describing how the incident has severely affected his mental health and daily life.
He expressed feelings of distress, reliving the events constantly, and feeling isolated from friends and family.
The statement emphasized that no child should endure such trauma.
During sentencing, the court noted the grooming behavior exhibited by Lawrinson and classified him as an ‘offender of particular concern.’ The defense, represented by Jeremy Rawson, highlighted Lawrinson’s lack of prior convictions and described him as a man of good character who deeply regrets his actions.
Rawson expressed remorse, stating that Lawrinson would regret this for the rest of his life and acknowledged the pain inflicted on the young victim and his family.
Judge Tania Griffiths addressed Lawrinson directly, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses and the lasting impact on the victim.
She pointed out that Lawrinson was aware of the boy’s young age but continued his misconduct despite this knowledge.
The judge described the victim’s statement as profoundly sad and highlighted the daily struggles the boy now faces.
Ultimately, Lawrinson was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.
He will serve approximately two-thirds of this sentence before being eligible to apply for parole.
If not granted early release, he will serve the full term, followed by an additional year on extended license.
The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life and comply with a sexual harm prevention order and restraining order, both set to last for 20 years.
