TERENCE BRICKLEY FROM WIGAN AND ATHERTON JAILED FOR ABUSE IN ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Ashton-in-Makerfield, Atherton, and Wigan, Terence Brickley, a 41-year-old man, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes, which spanned over two years, came to light when the victim confided in a relative last summer, revealing a pattern of abuse that had taken place primarily in Ashton-in-Makerfield, including at Brickley's residence.

Brickley, who at the time of sentencing was residing on Thomas Street in Atherton, faced a jury at Liverpool Crown Court in July. Despite his denial of the charges, the jury found him guilty by an 11-1 majority. The court convicted him of one count of raping the girl when she was just 12 years old, along with four additional charges of sexual assault that began when she was only 11. The abuse was described as particularly severe, with Brickley having shown the girl pornographic films and engaging in repeated acts of molestation.

Judge Brian Lewis, presiding over the case, sentenced Brickley to 11 years in prison for the rape. Additionally, he imposed an eight-year sentence to run concurrently for the other sexual offenses. The judge also ordered Brickley to register as a sex offender for life and issued an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order. This order aims to prevent any contact with the victim and restrict his interactions with individuals under the age of 16, especially in unsupervised settings.

During the sentencing, Judge Lewis acknowledged that Brickley, who has autism, had begun abusing the girl when she was just 11 years old. The judge described the abuse as occurring in “a most dreadful way,” noting that Brickley had shown her pornographic material and that the acts happened at his home. The court heard that the girl claimed the abuse occurred at least 100 times, and Brickley was aware that his actions were wrong, despite his mental difficulties and social isolation. The judge emphasized that Brickley knew the difference between right and wrong, and his telling the girl not to tell anyone further indicated his awareness of the unacceptable nature of his conduct.

While the court acknowledged the severity of the offenses, Judge Lewis expressed a belief that Brickley was unlikely to re-offend in the future, citing positive aspects of his life. The defense, represented by Steven Swift, highlighted that Brickley, who has no prior criminal record, was in care until the age of 10 before being adopted. Swift also noted that Brickley’s adoptive parents, who remain loyal and supportive, are devastated by his actions. Despite his learning difficulties and low IQ, Brickley has managed to live independently with assistance from his father and has held various jobs over the years.

In conclusion, the court’s decision reflects the gravity of the crimes committed by Terence Brickley, a man from Wigan and Atherton, whose actions have profoundly impacted his victim and the wider community. The sentence aims to serve justice while recognizing the complexities of his mental health and social circumstances.