TERRENCE SHARPLE FROM BLACKBURN AND ROCHDALE SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE CASES

In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Blackburn and Rochdale, Terrence Sharple, a 52-year-old man, has been sentenced to an extensive 24-year prison term after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over a span of more than three decades. This sentencing marks one of the most severe penalties handed down in Lancashire for a sex attacker in recent memory.

Sharple was found guilty after a thorough trial of 28 separate charges, which included rape, indecent assault, and acts of indecency involving six children. The victims, who ranged in age from young boys to girls, endured years of trauma inflicted by Sharple’s manipulative and predatory behavior. One victim, still haunted by the ordeal, revealed that he continues to struggle with sleep even years after the abuse, highlighting the long-lasting psychological scars left by Sharple’s actions.

The presiding judge, Norman Wright, emphasized the profound impact Sharple’s conduct had on his victims. He stated that the defendant’s actions had caused deep psychological wounds, which have had a very significant and lasting effect on those affected. The court heard emotional victim impact statements, with one man describing his ongoing battle with insomnia, feelings of shame, and a sense of withdrawal, likening himself to a tortoise retreating into its shell. Other victims recounted suffering from depression, anxiety, and sleepless nights, with one explicitly stating, “The effects will be with me for the rest of my life.” The court was also told that reliving the traumatic events during court proceedings was an extremely difficult experience for the victims.

Details of Sharple’s methods revealed that he would often engage in seemingly innocent games with children, which served as a pretext for touching them inappropriately. His manipulative tactics included offering sweets and money to the victims, and he would threaten them or coerce them into silence. One young boy was even made to sign a small piece of paper, which Sharple believed could be used as leverage if the child ever tried to disclose the abuse.

Throughout the period of his offending, Sharple targeted four boys and two girls, with his crimes taking place in the Blackburn, Leyland, and Blackpool areas. His offenses spanned from when he was just 13 years old up to the age of 31. Despite the extensive evidence against him, Sharple was acquitted of five other charges by the jury.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable Nick Blackledge expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “I am pleased with the sentence given to Sharple which reflects the seriousness of the offences. This case highlights that it is never too late to report a crime – even though the offences were committed years ago, justice has been brought.”

As part of his punishment, Sharple will be placed on the sex offenders register for life, and he will be subject to strict restrictions designed to prevent further harm. He is banned from working with children, prohibited from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 16, and cannot reside in any accommodation where minors are present or stay with anyone under the age of sixteen. Additionally, he will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order.

During the court proceedings, Sharple’s defense attorney, John Woodward, maintained that his client still denies the allegations, asserting, “He is under no illusions that Your Honour will pass on him a substantial sentence.” No early parole date was set, indicating that Sharple will serve the full term of his sentence before being eligible for release.