PHILIP LOCKETT FROM BARROW SENTENCED FOR LIFE AFTER SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING YOUNG BOYS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Barrow, Philip Lockett, a man with a troubling history of inappropriate conduct towards minors, has been sentenced to life imprisonment following his admission to serious sexual offences involving two young boys from the area.

Police had been monitoring Lockett for a decade prior to his arrest, indicating a long-standing concern about his behavior. The 39-year-old was ultimately detained under the Mental Health Act, a decision made by the court after considering his psychological state and the nature of his offenses. Additionally, he has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

The case was heard at Preston Crown Court, where a judge described Lockett’s history of inappropriate conduct towards young boys. The court was told that Lockett had approached two 11-year-old boys in separate incidents within Barrow, asking them to urinate for him. These encounters took place in June of the previous year, and both boys were able to provide detailed descriptions of the man, including the distinctive cap with the words “ratboy” written on the front, which Lockett was wearing during both incidents. This cap was reportedly a nickname he had used in the past.

Prosecutor Miss Rachael Woods outlined the details of the offences, stating that in one incident, a boy was playing with a friend when Lockett approached him and asked if he wanted to urinate. The man then proceeded to show the boy his underwear. In a separate incident, another boy was approached on a street in Barrow, where Lockett again asked him to urinate, offering money in exchange. Fortunately, the second boy refused and was able to describe Lockett to the police, which helped in his identification.

When questioned by authorities, Lockett denied the allegations, claiming that the accusations were fabrications. However, the boys’ descriptions and identification during police line-ups confirmed his involvement.

Judge Christopher Cornwall, presiding over the case, emphasized the long history of police investigations into Lockett’s conduct, noting that reports had been made over the past ten years. The judge highlighted the seriousness of the offences and the potential harm to the children involved.

Defense lawyer Mr. Mark Kellet argued that Lockett suffers from severe psychological disorders, citing medical reports that described his condition as extremely difficult. He requested that the court impose a hospital order without additional restrictions, suggesting that Lockett’s mental health issues warranted such a measure.

However, Judge Cornwall decided otherwise. He stated that the risk of Lockett causing serious harm to children was significant enough to justify a restriction order. The judge ordered that Lockett be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and imposed a sex offences prevention order. This order prohibits him from residing within one thousand meters of any school, college, kindergarten, or nursery. Furthermore, Lockett is barred from having unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 16.

These measures reflect the court’s determination to protect the community of Barrow from further harm by a man with a disturbing history of predatory behavior towards minors.