RAPELESSED HELSBY MAN DEREK RATHBONE SENTENCED TO NINE AND A HALF YEARS IN PRISON IN WARRINGTON

In April 2003, a Helsby man named Derek Rathbone was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for heinous crimes involving the sexual assault of minors.

Rathbone, aged 53, of Mountain View, Farnworth, Widnes, was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl last year. The incident occurred while he was living in Farnworth, Widnes. The young victim, when giving evidence via video link, appeared traumatised, struggling to find words to describe her ordeal.

During the trial, it was revealed that Rathbone also indecently assaulted another girl five times when she was under 15 years old, between 1987 and 1995. These offences took place while Rathbone resided in Farnworth and Hough Green, also in Widnes.

Rathbone appeared in court wearing tinted glasses and walking with the aid of a crutch as he was sentenced at Warrington Crown Court last Thursday.

Mr. Justice Hale addressed Rathbone directly, stating: "You have been convicted of the rape of a 15-year-old girl, who was one of a number of girls you enticed back to your flat. She was the one who you raped after giving her drinks. It was obviously a traumatic incident for her, and the trauma was evident when she gave her evidence."

The judge continued, "You were also convicted of serious indecent assaults against another girl, including simulated intercourse, one of the most serious forms of assault."

The jury had previously found Rathbone guilty of these offences, although he was acquitted of 11 other charges.

Defence lawyer Mr. John Eaton noted that Rathbone had not used any weapons during the offences.

Mr. Justice Hale sentenced Rathbone to seven years for the rape and an additional two and a half years for the indecent assaults. The judge also ordered that Rathbone would be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.