ROBERT MCFARLANE FROM BLACKBURN AND OSWALDTWISTLE JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Blackburn and Oswaldtwistle, Robert McFarlane, aged 37, was brought into custody after a shocking revelation at a local police station. The court heard that McFarlane voluntarily entered Greenbank police station and confessed to repeatedly abusing a young girl, a revelation that has sent ripples through the local area.

Following his confession, McFarlane was detained in a cell at Greenbank police station while authorities worked diligently to identify and locate his victim. The court was informed that McFarlane’s history includes a serious road accident in 2005, which left him in a critical health condition. During this period, he reportedly expressed remorse to the girl, claiming that he had become a born-again Christian and wanted to seek forgiveness for his past actions.

It was not until September 14 of this year that McFarlane officially admitted his crimes to the police. On that morning, at approximately 5:45 am, he arrived at the Blackburn police station and engaged with a duty officer at the front desk, where he disclosed details of his offending behavior. This admission led to his subsequent arrest and charges.

Judge Beverley Lunt sentenced McFarlane to a term of four years and eight months in prison. The judge emphasized that while punishment was necessary, McFarlane’s willingness to confess demonstrated some level of remorse, which the court acknowledged as a mitigating factor. The judge also noted that without his confession, these crimes might have remained undisclosed forever.

Prosecutor David Bruce outlined that the abuse began when the victim was just 10 years old, with initial acts of a sexual nature starting with a simple kiss. Over time, the abuse escalated into more serious sexual contact, continuing until the girl reached the age of 14. The court heard that McFarlane’s offenses included eight counts of indecent assault and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

At the time of the offenses, McFarlane was known to reside on Oak Street and Central Avenue in Oswaldtwistle. However, at the time of his arrest and court proceedings, he was living at Haworth House bail hostel on St Peter’s Street in Blackburn.

During the hearing, Mark Lamberty, representing McFarlane, stated that his client was a father of four children and was currently facing a divorce. The court also ordered McFarlane to be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.