COLIN GREENWOOD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN GREAT ECCLESTON AND PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, Colin Greenwood, a 73-year-old man from Part Raikes Caravan Park in Great Eccleston, near Preston, has been sentenced to prison for heinous sexual offenses committed decades ago. The crimes, which took place during the 1980s when Greenwood was residing in Preston, involved the abuse of a young boy who was only 12 years old at the time.

According to court proceedings, Greenwood, who was then working as a coach driver, engaged in a series of sexual assaults on the boy over a prolonged period. The Preston Crown Court heard that the abuse was both severe and a gross breach of the trust placed in Greenwood as an adult and a figure of authority. The victim, whose identity remains protected, endured these traumatic experiences for several years, with the offences only coming to light many years later.

Greenwood was found guilty of three counts of rape, three counts of gross indecency with a child, and two counts of indecent assault on a male. During the hearing, he sat quietly with his hands clasped, wearing a dark green coat, as the court was presented with the details of his crimes. The prosecution, led by Hilary Banks, described the victim’s feelings of surprise, discomfort, and confusion, emphasizing that the abuse was not initiated by the child but was inflicted upon him by Greenwood.

In mitigation, Greenwood’s defense attorney, Hugh Barton, highlighted the defendant’s poor health, including diabetes, heart issues, and depression. Barton also pointed out that Greenwood’s guilty plea was a mitigating factor, suggesting that the case might have been more distressing had it gone to trial. Despite these arguments, the judge, Andrew Woolman, described the offenses as a serious breach of trust and a gross violation of the victim’s innocence.

Following the conviction, Greenwood was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Additionally, he was handed a lifelong Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was ordered to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for the rest of his life. Judge Woolman also noted the impact of the abuse on the victim, referencing a personal statement that revealed the lasting trauma and the victim’s feelings of guilt and confusion. The judge warned Greenwood that he might spend the remainder of his life behind bars due to the severity of his crimes.

After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Jamie Lillystone of Preston Police’s Public Protection Unit expressed support for the verdict. He stated, “This is a case of serious and continued abuse of a vulnerable child. The result is a testament to the courage of the victim and shows however historic the offences may be, the police will investigate them fully. The victim is satisfied with the sentence.”

Greenwood, who later worked as a mechanic on boats moored near Lancaster, showed no visible emotion during the hearing. His case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse, regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses occurred.