WILLIAM CANN SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES IN CLEATOR MOOR

In a case that has shocked the community of Cleator Moor, William Cann, a 65-year-old resident of Dent Place, was sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to multiple serious sex offences involving two young girls. The crimes, which spanned several years, included a total of eight separate charges, all related to victims who were under the age of 16 at the time of the incidents.

William Cann appeared in court earlier this year to face these allegations. During the proceedings, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual misconduct, which encompassed acts of indecent assault and gross indecency. The offences against his victims, both of whom were minors, ranged from acts committed in 1995 to more recent times, indicating a pattern of predatory behavior over a prolonged period.

The court heard that Cann had committed four separate offences against each of the two young girls, some of which dated back nearly a decade and a half. The details of the offences were disturbing, and the case drew significant attention from local residents and authorities alike.

At an earlier hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was represented by barrister Chris Stables. He informed Judge Paul Batty QC that the CPS had agreed to allow four additional allegations, which Cann had denied, to remain on file. These allegations, although not admitted by Cann, were considered relevant to the case and were kept as part of the court record.

Following the guilty plea and the presentation of evidence, Judge Batty sentenced Cann to four years in prison, emphasizing the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victims. The sentencing marked a significant moment in the ongoing effort to address and combat child sexual abuse within the community of Cleator Moor, highlighting the importance of justice for the victims and the need for continued vigilance against such offenses.