ANDREW HANCOX FROM WARRINGTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG BOYS IN WARRINGTON

In a serious case that has shocked the Warrington community, Andrew Hancox, a 34-year-old man with no fixed address but originating from the Warrington area, was sentenced to six months in prison at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday. The conviction stemmed from his involvement in multiple incidents of indecent assault against two young boys, both under the age of 16, which took place over a span of time and under troubling circumstances.

Hancox was found guilty on three separate counts of indecent assault, with the court hearing that these offenses occurred during December 2002 and twice in the summer of 2003. The court was informed that during these incidents, Hancox was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, which contributed to his inappropriate behavior towards the minors. The details of the case revealed that he had touched the boys in a manner that was clearly inappropriate and sexually motivated, causing significant distress to the victims.

His trial, held earlier this year, culminated in a conviction that has now led to his imprisonment. The court also ordered Hancox to be placed on the sex offenders register for the next ten years, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities to protect the community. Additionally, he was disqualified from working with children for life, a decision reflecting the severity of his offenses and the potential risk he poses.

During the sentencing hearing, Hancox’s defense attorney, Michael Scholes, argued that his client was “not a high risk offender” and pointed out that Hancox had ceased using drugs. Scholes recommended that his client should not receive a custodial sentence, suggesting that rehabilitation might be a more appropriate response. However, Judge David Hale expressed concern over Hancox’s attitude and his failure to admit guilt, which influenced the court’s decision.

Judge Hale stated, “This man is still in denial over the incidents on which he was convicted and has put those boys through a distressing experience which they had to relive. He must accept to remedy his conduct towards children.” The judge ultimately sentenced Hancox to a total of 21 months in prison, of which he is to serve six months immediately. The remaining sentence includes a requirement for Hancox to undergo a further 15 months of rehabilitation with the Probation Service after his release, emphasizing the importance of addressing his behavior and preventing future offenses.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about safeguarding children and the importance of strict legal measures to deal with offenders who pose a risk to minors in communities like Warrington.