THOMAS CATHIE FROM DAREN JAIL FOR CHILD SEX CRIMES IN BLACKBURN AND DAREN

In August 2018, a pensioner from Darwen was sentenced to a six-year prison term after being convicted of multiple historic sexual offenses committed against children. The case was heard at Preston Crown Court, where the jury found Thomas Cathie, aged 79 and residing on Perry Street in Darwen, guilty of crimes that took place in Blackburn during the 1980s.

During the trial, it was revealed that Cathie had engaged in sexual misconduct involving two young girls. Due to legal restrictions, the identities of these victims have not been disclosed to the public. The court heard detailed accounts of the offenses, which had remained undisclosed for decades before being brought to light.

Following the conviction, Judge Simon Medland QC handed down a sentence of six years in immediate custody. Additionally, the judge imposed a further 12 months on license, which Cathie will serve once he is released from prison. This measure is intended to monitor his conduct and ensure he remains under supervision during the post-release period.

Furthermore, Cathie was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a requirement that entails regular updates to authorities about his whereabouts and activities. He was also mandated to pay a statutory surcharge, which is allocated to support victim services and aid those affected by similar crimes. The sentencing underscores the seriousness with which the court viewed these offenses and the ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from such harm.