GRAHAM GILL FROM WORKINGTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN LANCASHIRE

In June 2022, a deeply disturbing case of child abuse came to light involving Graham Gill, a former semi-professional footballer from Workington, who inflicted unimaginable suffering on a young girl over a period of ten years. The victim, now 51 and residing in Lancashire, bravely shared her harrowing story after Gill was convicted of multiple sexual offences, including rape and indecent assault.

Graham Gill, who played over 300 matches for Workington A.F.C and other clubs across the North West, was once celebrated for his athletic achievements. However, behind his public persona, he committed heinous crimes against his stepdaughter, beginning when she was only six years old. His abuse escalated over time, culminating in rape when she was just 11 years old. Gill’s relentless assault was characterized by threats and manipulation, effectively silencing his young victim for a decade.

The survivor, who has chosen to waive her right to anonymity, recounted her traumatic experiences with raw honesty. She described how her childhood was stolen from her, and how the emotional scars have persisted into her adult life. Despite the pain, she expressed her determination not to let Gill’s actions define her future. "He’s a total monster," she stated. "He stole my childhood and destroyed half my life — but I’ll not let him destroy me."

Her account detailed the initial grooming phase, which began during a family holiday to the Lake District. She recalled telling her friends that Gill was a semi-pro football player, and how they admired him when he joined them for casual games. The abuse started subtly, with Gill pulling her blanket back while she was asleep and sliding his hand inside her nightie, touching her chest and tummy. She was only six at the time and did not understand what was happening, but she remembered the whispered command of “Ssh” from Gill in the dark.

As years went by, Gill’s nighttime visits became more frequent and invasive. Jane described how he would enter her room when her mother was asleep, touching her and forcing her to touch him. She believed this was normal because Gill acted so casually, which added to her confusion and fear. His mood could switch suddenly from calm to furious, and he would lash out in anger. She recounted an incident where she took a banana from the fruit bowl, only to be met with Gill’s violent rage, spitting in her face and shouting at her to do chores like washing up.

Her fear grew as the abuse intensified. She remembered a particularly terrifying night when Gill threatened to kill her and her mother if she ever told anyone. During her mother’s absence, Gill’s violence reached a new level. Jane was playing records in her bedroom when he entered, forcibly pulling her into their bedroom and raping her. She was only 11 years old. Despite her screams for her mother, Gill continued his assault. Afterwards, he apologized, but Jane knew he was not truly sorry.

Jane’s dread of Gill’s return home after football matches increased her anxiety. She described how he would come home drunk and help himself to her, especially on weekends. She tried to fight back one night by kicking him between the legs, which led her to run barefoot in the snow to her grandmother’s house two miles away. However, Gill was always waiting for her, ready to pounce again. The only person she confided in was her best friend Judy, who urged her to tell an adult, but her fear of disbelief and shame kept her silent.

Her love for tennis provided brief moments of escape, but Gill’s interference and threats kept her from pursuing her passion. She was often locked in her room and told she was a loser. By the age of 14, her mental health was deteriorating; she was drinking heavily and fighting at school. At 16, her struggles culminated in a breakdown during a school play, where she was cast as the Good Fairy but was visibly battered from Gill’s violence. Her teacher intervened, leading to her being placed with her biological father and his partner, offering her some relief but leaving her with deep emotional scars.

Despite her trauma, Jane became pregnant and gave birth to her daughter Gabbi, now 26. Her maternal instinct was fierce, and she became intensely protective of her child. Her family eventually divorced, but Gill remained a presence at family gatherings. On one occasion, he offered to take Gabbi to McDonald’s in his van, an act that filled Jane with dread. Her drinking worsened over the years, and she often told Gabbi that her alcohol use was a result of her difficult childhood. Eventually, Gabbi learned about Graham’s violence, though not the full extent of the abuse.

Jane decided to report Gill to the police, which led to his arrest. He denied all allegations and was released on bail. The process took a toll on her mental health; she was bed-bound for a year due to the shock and trauma. Her daughter Gabbi moved in to support her, as Jane suffered flashbacks, night terrors, and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol and medication.

By the time of the trial, Jane had managed to overcome her addiction and was prepared to confront her abuser in court. The jury at Preston Crown Court found Graham Gill guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault, four counts of rape, and two other sexual offences. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Overwhelmed with relief, Jane expressed her gratitude for finally achieving justice. She emphasized her resilience, stating, “Although I’ll always carry the mental scars, I see myself as a survivor.”

Looking ahead, Jane is committed to helping others who have suffered similar abuse. She is establishing a support group for women affected by sexual violence, determined to show that it is never too late to seek justice. Her story serves as a stark reminder that predators like Graham Gill cannot hide behind their public personas forever, and that speaking out can lead to accountability and healing.