GARY COSTELLO FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING MINORS

In a case that has spanned several years and involved a detailed investigation, Gary Costello, a 39-year-old man formerly residing on Hancock Street in Blackburn, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 11 years for serious sexual offences committed against young girls. The crimes took place over a period extending from 2003 to November 2007, with the victims being minors aged 13 and 14 at the time of the assaults.

Costello was convicted by a jury in September following a nine-day trial held at Preston Crown Court. The proceedings revealed that he had engaged in a pattern of predatory behavior, which included supplying his young victims with cannabis and alcohol before subjecting them to sexual assault. The court heard that the offences occurred at two different addresses within Blackburn, and that Costello later moved to Windsor Avenue in Blackpool, where he continued to deny any involvement in the crimes.

Throughout the trial, the victims were compelled to testify against him, reliving their traumatic experiences in a process that was described as extremely distressing. Detective Constable Elaine Smalley, who led the investigation, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the complexity and length of the case. She acknowledged the bravery of the victims, stating, “This has been a long and complex investigation and we are satisfied with the outcome. Costello continued to deny involvement and as a result his victims were forced to relive the ordeal through court which was extremely traumatic and distressing.”

Det Con Smalley also highlighted the support provided to the victims throughout the legal process, expressing hope that the sentence would offer some measure of comfort and help them move forward with their lives. The sentencing took place at Lancaster Castle, where Judge Pamela Badley described the offences as “grave” and noted the profound impact on many lives. In addition to the prison term, Costello was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and was ordered to be registered as a sex offender for life.

His arrest in 2008 was prompted by two of the victims contacting the police, which led to a thorough investigation uncovering three additional victims. The authorities confirmed that the victims were aged 13 and 14 at the time of the offences, and the case underscores the importance of vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.