ERIC JANICKI FROM COCKERMOUTH AND KESWICK SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF TEENAGERS

In a case that has shocked the communities of Cockermouth and Keswick, Eric Mark Janicki, aged 42, was sentenced to a prison term of just over three years after being found guilty of subjecting two teenage boys to prolonged sexual abuse over a period of several years. The disturbing case came to light in October of the previous year, nearly a decade after the abuse had ceased, when the younger victim confided in the older one about the traumatic experiences he had endured.

Janicki, who resided on Gote Road in Cockermouth, was accused of luring the two boys, both students from Keswick, into a pattern of manipulation and exploitation. The court heard that he had used alcohol as a tool to lower their inhibitions and had paid them after they engaged in sexual acts and watched pornographic videos with him. The abuse, which spanned from 1991 to 1996, left lasting scars on the victims, with one of them attempting to take his own life as a result of the trauma. Both boys struggled with depression and turned to drugs in the aftermath of the abuse, highlighting the severe psychological impact of Janicki’s actions.

During the sentencing at Carlisle Crown Court, Judge Paul Batty QC made it clear that the defendant’s actions were profoundly damaging. He stated, “It is perfectly plain to me that you debauched and corrupted these two young boys.” Janicki pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault on a male under 16, seven counts of gross indecency, and 12 other indecent assault charges that were taken into account during sentencing.

The court was informed that Janicki had initially befriended the older boy, often taking him and other friends to the cinema, bowling, and other leisure activities. Over time, the relationship became more sinister as Janicki began allowing the boy to drink alcohol at his flat and watch pornographic videos together. The abuse escalated to the point where Janicki performed sexual acts in front of the victim and encouraged him to participate, often paying him for his involvement, sometimes as much as £20.

Following a falling out with the older boy, Janicki then established a similar relationship with the younger victim, again befriending him under the guise of friendship and trust. The younger boy was also paid for his participation in the abuse. The court emphasized that no threats or force were used to coerce the boys into participating in these acts, which underscored the manipulative nature of Janicki’s conduct.

In his defense, Janicki’s legal representative, Andrew Carney, expressed that his client felt “deep sorrow” for his actions. Carney stated, “He fully accepts that what he did to these boys should not have happened. It can be seen in no other light than being a gross breach of trust. He was weak and realises he must now pay for what he did.”

In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Batty ordered Janicki to be registered as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from working with children in any capacity. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of abuse and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable young people in communities like Cockermouth and Keswick.