WARWICK ABBOTT PRENTON SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ATTACKS IN FLINTSHIRE

In January 2017, a man from Prenton, Warwick Abbott, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 15 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses committed against children in Flintshire. The case was heard at Mold Crown Court, where it was revealed that Abbott, aged 55, had inflicted lasting harm on his young victims, leaving a profound impact on their lives.

Abbott had pleaded guilty to a total of ten charges, which included indecent assault, a serious sexual assault, rape, and causing a child to view an explicit image of a sexual act. The court heard disturbing details about his actions, which involved not only physical abuse but also the use of technology to record his offenses. On two separate occasions, Abbott filmed himself during the assaults, and he also coerced one young girl into watching adult pornography, further demonstrating his manipulative and predatory behavior.

During the proceedings, Judge Huw Rees described Abbott as an offender of “particular concern” and emphasized that he posed a significant threat to young girls. The court was informed that Abbott’s misconduct had a devastating effect on his victims, one of whom, now a young woman, provided a heartbreaking victim impact statement. She recounted her feelings of despair, revealing that she had contemplated ending her life, believing that death was the only escape from the trauma inflicted upon her.

In her statement, read from behind a screen to protect her identity, she expressed how Abbott’s actions continued to haunt her. She stated, “I cannot get away from it. It has driven me insane. I have considered suicide,” and added, “I thought if I was six foot under he could no longer hurt me.” Her words underscored the deep psychological scars left by Abbott’s abuse.

Defense lawyer Mark Connor acknowledged that Abbott was aware of the severity of his impending sentence and indicated that he intended to undergo a sexual offenders’ treatment program in an effort to rehabilitate himself. Connor also conveyed Abbott’s remorse, stating, “He has asked me to say that he is genuinely sorry for what he did,” though he admitted that such remorse might hold little comfort for the victims at this stage.

Judge Rees justified the substantial prison term, asserting that it was necessary “so that children will be protected from your unhealthy attention.” The judge also warned Abbott that he would only be released when the parole board deemed it safe, and he extended Abbott’s license by an additional 12 months following his release. Furthermore, Abbott was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his future conduct and protect the community from further harm.