SCOTT WEBB, BARROW PAEDOPHILE, SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY
In March 2019, Scott Webb, a dangerous offender from Barrow, was convicted and sentenced for heinous sexual abuse involving two young sisters.Webb, who began abusing the victims when he was just 16, exploited their trust while acting as a babysitter.
Unaware of each other's experiences, the two sisters endured separate sexual abuse by Webb over a span of four months.
Webb was ultimately found guilty of four counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13 and two charges of assault by penetration on two girls under 13.
At Burnley Crown Court, Judge Andrew Jefferies QC sentenced Webb, now 28, to a total of eight years and three months imprisonment, with an extended licence period.
The judge stated, “I have no doubt you are dangerous and my duty is to the public to whom you present a danger.” Despite pleading guilty, Webb showed no remorse for his actions; one victim told the judge that Webb had destroyed their faith in humankind.
Additionally, Webb received a 19-month sentence for using coercive and controlling behavior towards his ex-partner and the mother of his child.
Detective Sergeant Rebecca Joseph praised the victims’ bravery and emphasized the complexity of the investigation.
Initially, Webb denied the allegations during police interviews, but later admitted the charges, leading to his conviction.
The case’s history dates back to 2007 when one of the girls reported the abuse to her mother.
She recalled, “She was bright and happy but a light was taken from her.
She trusted no one and yet wanted to please everyone… She became ashamed of her body and hated her looks.” Despite this report, the family was devastated when police told them Webb faced no further action.
The case was reopened in 2014 after the other sister confided her own abuse.
Shockingly, authorities at the time argued there was insufficient evidence for prosecution.
Finally, last year, Webb was charged with numerous offences related to the sexual abuse.
Their mother, who is anonymized for her protection, spoke out about her family’s fight for justice: “My children felt as if no-one believed them; they just wanted the chance to give their side and for a fair trial.
Webb abused my kids and nearly destroyed our family.” She actively pursued the case through the Victim’s Right to Review scheme, supported by Detective Constable Rebecca Joseph and Victim Support Worker Sarah Place.
The CPS announced that the case was reviewed and the decision to prosecute was ultimately overturned.
Webb, who has three children, appeared at Preston Crown Court in September 2018, pleading not guilty.
However, on the first day of his scheduled trial, he changed his plea to guilty.
The victims’ mother expressed relief and reflection on the impact: “This conviction has come at a massive cost but I couldn’t let my kids down; they deserved to be believed and they deserved justice.
The effects of what Webb did to my children are profound.
He not only assaulted them; he took away a trust in humanity that no child should ever endure.” She added, “They have been through hell, but now they have justice and can begin to rebuild their lives.
I just want them to walk forward as survivors, not victims.” Webb is scheduled for sentencing on March 18.
