FREDERICK SUMNER FROM NEW LONGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSES INVOLVING CHILDREN IN PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the local community, Frederick Sumner, a 52-year-old man residing on Boundary Lane in New Longton, has been sentenced to a total of six years and four months in prison for a series of disturbing sexual offenses committed against young children. The crimes, which spanned several years, involved five victims—two boys and three girls—who were subjected to indecent assaults and acts of gross indecency.

Sumner appeared before Preston Crown Court to face the charges, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a male, two counts involving girls, and seven counts of gross indecency. Some of the children involved in the abuse were as young as eight years old when the offenses began, highlighting the disturbing nature of the crimes. During the court proceedings, Sumner was accompanied by two individuals in the dock, and he was observed clutching the top of his walking cane, tears intermittently streaming down his face as he listened to the details of his actions.

Members of the public gallery, including some of the victims, watched the proceedings with visible distress, many of them in tears as the gravity of the case was laid bare. The judge, Simon Altham, heard that in some instances, Sumner, colloquially known as “Freddie,” had coerced two young victims into touching each other, adding a further layer of depravity to the offenses.

One of the victims, a boy, eventually confided in his mother about the abuse, while another victim, whose age ranged from eight to sixteen during the period of the abuse, chose to deny the allegations when confronted, fearing repercussions from his father if he disclosed the truth.

During the trial, prosecutor Hilary Banks revealed that Sumner was interviewed in March 2013, during which he admitted to his misconduct. Banks stated, “Mr. Sumner was interviewed in March 2013. He admitted his behaviour, that he was moody when growing up. He admitted that he had shown pornographic material to children and in that he was including the victims. He said he was sorry for everything and regretted what he had done. He said he hated himself for it and hoped to God that he would die soon. He said he wanted to be in heaven with his mother and he said he had been punished by God.”

Sumner’s defense attorney, Richard English, acknowledged the remorse expressed by his client but remarked, “Apologies and expressions of remorse ring very hollow for those in the public gallery, but nonetheless he is abjectly sorry for what he has done.”

Ultimately, the court sentenced Sumner to over six years in prison, reflecting the serious nature of his crimes and the impact on his young victims. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of New Longton and Preston, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the devastating consequences of abuse.