ROBERT CAHILL SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN SKELMERSDALE

Robert Cahill, a man with no fixed address, appeared before Preston Crown Court to face serious charges related to the sexual abuse of a young boy. Cahill pleaded guilty to multiple heinous crimes, including sexual assault and four counts of raping a child under the age of 13. The court proceedings revealed that Cahill had targeted the boy over a period of several years while residing in Skelmersdale, beginning when the victim was only six years old.

Following his guilty plea, Cahill was sentenced to a total of nine years and eight months in prison. Additionally, he was given a further seven years on license, meaning he will be under supervision after his release. The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes and the long-lasting impact on the victim.

The victim, now an adult, expressed a sense of relief following the sentencing, stating, "I'm just happy it's all over. It's just one less thing on my plate." His mother, who provided emotional testimony during the court proceedings, described the profound and devastating effects the abuse had on her son. She recounted how he was once a confident and lively child, but the trauma has left him constantly alert, anxious, and distrustful of others. Her words conveyed the deep pain and guilt she feels, saying, "He was such a confident, bubbly little boy. Now he's always on alert, always on edge, and he has trust issues."

She also expressed her heartbreak, stating, "It has destroyed us, ruined his childhood, ruined his confidence. I look at photos of him when he was little and think about what happened then. It has ruined us." The mother was grateful that Cahill received the maximum sentence possible, noting that his guilty plea led to a reduction in his prison term from what could have been longer. She explained, "Because he pleaded guilty, it knocked his sentence down to nine years, seven months, but the judge used his discretion to add seven years on licence, so if he ever sets a foot wrong he's straight back in prison."

The court's findings detailed how Cahill exploited the young boy over several years, with the abuse only coming to light many years later, prompting the criminal case. The guilty plea played a significant role in the sentencing, underscoring the seriousness of Cahill’s crimes and the profound impact on the victim’s family. The case highlights the importance of justice for victims of such heinous acts and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting children from abuse.