BLACKPOOL OFFENDERS SMITH, TOMKINSON, AND WORTHINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE 70S AND 80S
In a significant case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, three men have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the sexual abuse of young female members of the Salvation Army during the 1970s and 1980s.The offenders, William Tomkinson, aged 70, Trevor Worthington, aged 88, and his son Philip Worthington, aged 64, were convicted in March at Preston Crown Court on a total of 23 charges related to two victims.
The sentencing took place on April 23 at the same court, bringing closure to a long and distressing investigation.
Among the charges were serious allegations including indecent assault, acts of indecency with a child, and attempted rape.
The abuse occurred across various locations within Blackpool, notably at the Blackpool Salvation Army Citadel, where the offenders held positions of trust and influence.
The case revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior by the men over several years, deeply impacting the victims and the community at large.
Derek Smith, aged 68, had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault against one of the women involved, during an earlier hearing.
His admission of guilt added another layer of gravity to the case, highlighting the widespread nature of the abuse.
The timeline of abuse began in the 1970s when William Tomkinson, who was serving as the Salvation Army treasurer at the time, first assaulted an 11-year-old girl.
The abuse started when he gave her a lift home, an act that concealed his predatory intentions.
As the years progressed, the victim was subjected to further abuse by Philip Worthington, who began assaulting her when she was 13 years old.
Derek Smith also became involved, abusing her when she was 14.
The victim later confided in Trevor Worthington about the abuse, revealing that his son Philip was one of the perpetrators.
Shockingly, upon learning of his son's involvement, Trevor Worthington himself began abusing the same girl, compounding the trauma she endured.
During the police investigation into the initial allegations, a second victim came forward.
She reported that both Tomkinson and Philip Worthington had sexually abused her in the 1980s, starting from when she was 15 years old.
This revelation expanded the scope of the case and confirmed a pattern of abuse spanning over a decade.
The court sentenced William Tomkinson to four years in prison for his crimes.
Trevor Worthington received a sentence of 12 months, while Philip Worthington was handed a significantly longer term of eight years and three months.
Derek Smith was sentenced to 15 months in prison, though his sentence was suspended for two years, allowing him to avoid immediate incarceration under certain conditions.
The sentences reflect the severity of the offenses and the impact on the victims, as justice was finally served for the victims of these heinous acts in Blackpool.
