WILLIAM FRENCH FROM BIRCHWOOD, WARRINGTON JAILED FOR ABUSING YOUNG BOYS IN HISTORICAL CASES

In a case that has shocked the local community, William French, a 75-year-old resident of Heather Close in Birchwood, Warrington, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in the sexual abuse of two young boys. The offences, which are now classified as historical, involved victims aged between eight and 13 at the time of the assaults.

French, who had no prior criminal record before these allegations, pleaded guilty to a total of 21 counts of indecent assault against children during his court appearance. The sentencing took place at Chester Crown Court on a recent Friday, where the judge also ordered French to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for public safety.

The police investigation into these offences was thorough, and authorities confirmed that the abuse occurred in the past, with the victims coming forward to report their experiences after many years. Cheshire Police emphasized their commitment to tackling such cases with the utmost seriousness. Detective Constable Laura Smith stated, "Cheshire Police always treat these cases extremely seriously and we have officers who have been specially trained to deal with the difficult and sensitive nature of these investigations."

She further encouraged victims or anyone with concerns about potential victims to come forward, saying, "I would always encourage anyone who has been a victim or has concerns about someone who they believe is a victim to come forward and speak to us." The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect children from abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.