GREGORY WITHAM SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST YOUNG GIRL
A man with a history of paedophilia, Gregory Witham, was detained after a girl he repeatedly attempted to assault wrote 'I want to die' on her school computer.During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Witham had molested his young victim multiple times, causing her significant psychological trauma.
Teachers observed she had begun self-harming due to the abuse.
Despite her distress, Witham denied the allegations, blaming the girl when he faced charges.
The 39-year-old, formerly residing in Walton and an ex-Navy serviceman, showed no remorse as he received a 16-year prison sentence.
Judge David Swinnerton criticized his attempts to shift blame onto the vulnerable girl, emphasising her innocence.
Witham was convicted on two counts of attempted rape, reflecting repeated predatory behaviour.
He also faced eight counts of sexual activity involving a child, including four instances of touching her genitalia under her clothing, and one count of inciting her to engage in sexual acts.
Prosecutor Gareth Roberts indicated that the abuse was uncovered after an incident at the victim's school, where she reportedly wrote 'I want to die' on a computer.
Teachers became concerned, talking to her, and she disclosed ongoing sexual abuse by Witham, who initially denied the accusations.
Throughout the trial, Witham claimed the girl attempted to seduce him, a statement the court viewed as a deliberate attempt to tarnish her character.
He also displayed anger and demeaned her, calling her 'useless'.
The girl's mother read a victim statement at sentencing, explaining her daughter’s daily thoughts about the abuse and her reluctance to seek counselling due to distressing memories.
The mother expressed her concern for her daughter's well-being and pain.
Supporters, including three individuals from Witham's family, watched as he was sentenced.
His defence, led by Jimmy Vakil, acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but requested mercy, highlighting Witham’s previously clean record and desire for rehabilitation.
Judge Swinnerton noted Witham's anger and accusations against the victim while he was giving evidence.
Despite admitting some abuse, Witham continued to deny attempted rape and blamed the victim's behaviour on her supposed sexual forwardness.
The judge pointed out that Witham's façade of respectability concealed serious sexual offending over the years.
Recognizing the victim's vulnerability and psychological damage, the court imposed an extended license period of one year upon release.
This sentence requires Witham to serve at least half of his term, totalling eight years, before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender, remain subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and a restraining order indefinitely.
Before his detention, Witham displayed a loud sigh, waved at supporters, and said, 'See you later'.
