THOMAS FOY BOOTLE SEX OFFENDER ATTACKS SCHOOLGIRL WITH DOG BALL THROWER

In October 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded at a bus stop in Bootle involving Thomas Foy, a 69-year-old man whose actions have left a lasting impact on a young girl. The victim, a 14-year-old schoolgirl, was waiting alone for her bus when Foy approached her with his dog. The encounter quickly took a sinister turn when Foy, noticing her solitary state, engaged her in conversation, asking about her age and the school she attended.

According to court reports, the girl was initially polite but refused to disclose details about her school. It was at this point that Foy, who was known to reside on Watts Lane in Bootle, took a disturbing step. He opened her school blazer and pressed a dog ball thrower against her chest, making an appalling comment about squeezing her breasts. Foy then pressed the object against her body, saying, “you’ve got nice boobs, I’d like to squeeze them,” before walking away from the scene.

The girl, visibly distressed by the assault, managed to raise the alarm once she reached her school. Her report prompted immediate police action, and Foy was arrested three days later. The court heard that the incident had a profound effect on the young girl, who became increasingly fearful of using the bus stop alone. She now carries a personal attack alarm as a precautionary measure.

During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Gary Woodhall described the assault as “an opportunistic offence” driven by a sexual motive. The judge emphasized that Foy’s actions caused significant distress to the victim. Initially, Foy denied any wrongdoing, claiming the girl was lying. However, he later pleaded guilty to the charges.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Woodhall acknowledged the need for appropriate punishment but also considered the potential effectiveness of rehabilitation. Instead of a custodial sentence, Foy was sentenced to a three-year community order. This order requires him to participate in a sex offender treatment programme and to be placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years. The court’s decision reflects a balance between accountability and the hope for reform, given the circumstances of the case.