JAMES REILLY FROM WIDNES SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF FOUR BOYS IN LATE 1980S
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Widnes Sexual Abuser
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Widnes, an 84-year-old man named James Reilly has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against four young boys during the late 1980s. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse that spanned over two years, during which Reilly targeted boys aged between eight and eleven years old.
Reilly was found guilty on a total of 14 counts, which included serious sexual offences such as indecent assault, indecency, buggery, attempted buggery, and attempted indecent assault. The jury's verdict was delivered at Liverpool Crown Court, where the evidence painted a grim picture of the defendant’s actions. The court heard that two of the victims were brothers, and that Reilly exploited their innocence through grooming tactics that involved showing them pornography and providing alcohol to lower their inhibitions.
Judge Anill Murray, presiding over the case, sentenced Reilly to 15 years in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, the judge imposed a further year on license following his release, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed. Judge Murray expressed his condemnation of Reilly’s actions, stating, “What you did to them has ruined their lives. You thought you had got away with it but the complainants have had the courage to bring you to justice.” The judge also noted that Reilly had shown no remorse for his conduct.
The case gained momentum when the victims, as they grew older, began to disclose their experiences to various individuals. One of the victims’ relatives contacted the police after hearing about the abuse, which prompted further investigations. Subsequently, the younger brother of one of the victims posted a video on Facebook, revealing that he had been abused as a child and asking if others had experienced similar treatment by the same man. Although he did not name Reilly directly, he provided information about his residence and the nature of the abuse.
Reilly voluntarily surrendered himself to Widnes police station in November 2015. During police interviews, he denied any knowledge of the boys or the abuse. However, all four victims identified him during police identification parades, with one victim even pointing out the exact location where the offences had taken place. The evidence against Reilly was compelling, leading to his conviction on multiple counts of sexual misconduct. The court’s verdict underscores the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse and highlights the long-lasting impact such crimes can have on their lives.
Reilly was found guilty on a total of 14 counts, which included serious sexual offences such as indecent assault, indecency, buggery, attempted buggery, and attempted indecent assault. The jury's verdict was delivered at Liverpool Crown Court, where the evidence painted a grim picture of the defendant’s actions. The court heard that two of the victims were brothers, and that Reilly exploited their innocence through grooming tactics that involved showing them pornography and providing alcohol to lower their inhibitions.
Judge Anill Murray, presiding over the case, sentenced Reilly to 15 years in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, the judge imposed a further year on license following his release, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed. Judge Murray expressed his condemnation of Reilly’s actions, stating, “What you did to them has ruined their lives. You thought you had got away with it but the complainants have had the courage to bring you to justice.” The judge also noted that Reilly had shown no remorse for his conduct.
The case gained momentum when the victims, as they grew older, began to disclose their experiences to various individuals. One of the victims’ relatives contacted the police after hearing about the abuse, which prompted further investigations. Subsequently, the younger brother of one of the victims posted a video on Facebook, revealing that he had been abused as a child and asking if others had experienced similar treatment by the same man. Although he did not name Reilly directly, he provided information about his residence and the nature of the abuse.
Reilly voluntarily surrendered himself to Widnes police station in November 2015. During police interviews, he denied any knowledge of the boys or the abuse. However, all four victims identified him during police identification parades, with one victim even pointing out the exact location where the offences had taken place. The evidence against Reilly was compelling, leading to his conviction on multiple counts of sexual misconduct. The court’s verdict underscores the importance of justice for victims of childhood abuse and highlights the long-lasting impact such crimes can have on their lives.