CHRISTOPHER EDWARDS FROM GREAT SANKEY AND PADGATE CAUGHT IN DISTURBING SCHOOLGIRL ENCOUNTERS

In a disturbing series of incidents that took place over a three-month period during the summer of the previous year, Christopher Edwards, a resident of Eric Avenue in Padgate, engaged in highly inappropriate and alarming behavior involving schoolgirls in the local area. The case was brought before Warrington Crown Court, where it was revealed that Edwards targeted five young girls, aged between 13 and 16, in separate encounters while they were dressed in their school uniforms.

During these encounters, Edwards approached the girls with a series of bizarre and unsettling propositions. According to court reports, he asked three of the victims: “Can I ask you a question? If I gave you £100, can I have a kiss or feel your breasts?” This behavior was described as both bizarre and predatory, causing significant distress to the young victims.

The most alarming incident occurred in Bruche Park, where Edwards offered a girl £200 in exchange for a kiss, a touch, or some form of physical contact. The girl, overwhelmed and frightened, began to cry and expressed her fear that Edwards might be armed with a knife. Edwards denied having any weapon during the incident, but the fear and distress experienced by the victim were evident.

Following these events, the police were alerted. Two officers patrolling the Padgate area spotted Edwards and approached him. During questioning, Edwards claimed that he wanted to be honest and admitted to approaching girls in the park but insisted he had not touched any of them. Despite his claims, the evidence and victim statements painted a troubling picture of his actions.

It was noted that Edwards had no previous criminal convictions. However, he had spent the last six months in jail after committing these offenses while he was on bail, indicating a pattern of behavior that had escalated to serious concerns.

Prosecutor Cheryl Mottram highlighted the impact on the victims, stating that the schoolgirls now feel afraid walking home alone and have been losing sleep over the incidents. The court heard that the behavior was not only frightening but also bizarre, adding to the distress experienced by the victims.

Defense lawyer Graham Robinson acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses, noting that Edwards has the support of his father and will be living with him. Robinson emphasized that Edwards admitted to the incidents as soon as he was aware of the allegations, which the court considered a sign of remorse.

Judge Nicholas Woodward described the case as unusual and deeply concerning. He remarked that such behavior would have been terrifying and distressing for anyone subjected to it, especially given its bizarre nature. The judge expressed concern that this could have been a precursor to a more serious attack.

As part of his sentence, Edwards was ordered to reside at his father’s house in Great Sankey for the next six months. Additionally, he will be under supervision by the probation service for three years and is prohibited from working with children. These measures aim to prevent any future incidents and ensure public safety in the communities of Great Sankey and Padgate.