GARY DOUGLAS, WARRINGTON SEX OFFENDER, ATTACKS TEENAGE GIRL IN 2008 AND PLEADS GUILTY AFTER 2007 INCIDENT

In August 2008, Gary Douglas, a 36-year-old registered sex offender from New Road, Latchford, Warrington, was convicted of attacking a 17-year-old girl in her own home. The incident occurred after Douglas and a friend had been drinking cans of cider. Douglas seized the victim tightly, running his fingers down her back toward her bottom, and then attempted to kiss her on the lips.

Douglas pleaded guilty at Warrington Crown Court to charges of sexual touching and failing to notify authorities of a change of address. Prosecutor David Jones explained that Douglas had gained entry into the victim's flat and pulled her so forcefully that she could not move. The victim managed to break free after Douglas touched her and shouted at him to leave. As he reached the front door, Douglas leaned toward her with pursed lips and tried to kiss her again, but the girl pushed him out.

Judge David Hale sentenced Douglas to 11 months in prison. Defence lawyer Simeon Evans noted that Douglas had been drinking in a nearby flat and stormed out following an argument over music. He described Douglas as highly intoxicated at the time, recalling that after touching the girl, he asked, “Who am I looking for?”

The court also heard that Douglas failed to notify authorities of a change in his address because he did not have a fixed address at the time and had forgotten due to other issues.

Previously, in June 2007, Douglas had admitted to sexually touching a 14-year-old girl from Padgate as a prank while intoxicated. At Warrington Crown Court, Douglas pleaded guilty to two counts of this offence. His lawyer, Richard Dawson, explained that Douglas touched the girl over her clothes “as a joke,” but acknowledged it was “wholly inappropriate” and that his perception of the incident differed from that of the girl.

The court was informed that Douglas, who had a history of dishonesty linked to drug addiction, had no prior sexual offences. His defence stated that he had shifted from drug use to a dependence on alcohol.

Additionally, Douglas admitted to damaging a table and chairs costing £80. He also denied other similar sexual charges and assaulting an 11-year-old girl.