PETER HERNON FROM CLITHEROE AND LITHERLAND JAILED FOR ENDANGERING CHILDREN

In a recent series of legal proceedings, Peter Hernon, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has faced serious consequences for his actions and conduct that pose a significant threat to children in the communities of Clitheroe and Litherland.

Back in March 2009, Hernon, who resides at Moss View in Litherland, was convicted and subsequently sentenced to 16 months in prison after it was revealed that he had deliberately befriended a family with young children despite being under a Sexual Offenders’ Prevention Order (Sopo). This order was specifically designed to prevent him from having any contact with minors, a restriction imposed following his previous convictions for a series of sex offenses. The court, presided over by Judge Robert Warnock at Liverpool Crown Court, expressed a clear and unequivocal stance on Hernon’s dangerousness, stating, “I have the clear and definitive opinion that you are a danger to children.”

The case detailed how Hernon, aged 61 at the time, had managed to infiltrate the family’s life over a period of approximately four months. He had befriended the brother of a man Hernon had previously met in prison, and through this connection, gained access to the family’s children. The prosecutor, Andrew Downie, explained that the family included five children, all aged eight or under, and that Hernon was sometimes allowed to be alone with these children, even in the absence of their parents. This breach of the court’s order was only uncovered when Hernon’s aggressive behavior at the family’s home prompted police intervention. Hernon’s actions and the subsequent police investigation revealed the extent of his disregard for legal restrictions and the safety of minors.

Hernon admitted to five counts of breaching his Sexual Offenders’ Order, which was initially imposed in July 2004 following his previous convictions. His criminal record includes a history of child sex offenses, and he has been on the sex offenders’ register for life. The court’s decision to imprison him underscores the ongoing concern about his potential to reoffend and the danger he poses to the community.

In a related case from earlier in the year, Hernon’s behavior in Burnley drew significant attention from law enforcement and the judiciary. It was reported that Hernon, then 57, had moved to Burnley on March 1 after being expelled from Clitheroe in 1999 amid a hate campaign that involved distributing pamphlets branding him a paedophile. His move to Burnley was marked by further allegations of inappropriate conduct. Police reports indicated that Hernon had been inviting children into his home and offering them alcohol, actions that alarmed residents and authorities alike. The police claimed that Hernon’s conduct since relocating to Burnley had caused distress among children and their parents, with reports of children experiencing nightmares and complaints being lodged with local authorities.

Hernon, who insisted he posed no threat to children and claimed that the allegations against him were false and based on mistaken identity, was taken to court where a temporary interim Sexual Offences Prevention Order was issued against him. The court acted swiftly, citing the importance of community safety, especially with the school holidays beginning. The judge prohibited the press from reporting Hernon’s address and the specifics of the order, and the case was adjourned until the following Friday. Hernon, who was not represented at the hearing and planned to instruct a solicitor, intended to contest the police’s application.

During the hearing, Niamh Noone of Lancashire Police highlighted that Hernon had moved to Burnley on March 1 and that within just a few months, police had responded to multiple incidents involving him, the latest being on July 15. Officers had previously warned Hernon about his conduct, which included inviting children to his residence and giving them alcohol, behaviors that police described as inappropriate and concerning. The police further reported that Hernon’s actions had caused fear and upset among local children and their families, with some children experiencing nightmares and parents raising complaints.

Hernon maintained that he was not a threat and that he would never allow a child to stay alone at his home, emphasizing that such an act would be foolish regardless of his criminal background. He expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the recent allegations had “ruined my life,” and claimed that the accusations were “hopelessly flawed” and “invented,” asserting that he was a victim of mistaken identity. Despite his protests, the court moved to impose a temporary order to restrict his activities and protect the community, especially during the vulnerable school holiday period.

Hernon’s case continues to develop, with the court case scheduled to resume soon. The authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of community safety and the ongoing monitoring of Hernon’s conduct. His history of moving between towns, including Clitheroe and Burnley, and the efforts to keep him away from children highlight the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in managing individuals with a history of sexual offenses.