JOANNE BURR FROM COPPULL SENTENCED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE IN CHORLEY AND PRESTON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Coppull and the surrounding areas, Joanne Burr, aged 32, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for her role in encouraging a vulnerable 15-year-old girl to engage in a sexual act for the benefit of a 73-year-old man. The incident, which took place in Chorley, has brought to light the disturbing exploitation of a young girl by an adult who was supposed to be a trusted figure.

According to court proceedings at Preston Crown Court, Burr, who resides on Chapel Street in Coppull, was experiencing significant financial hardship at the time. She was also dependent on cocaine, which appeared to influence her decision-making. The young girl confided in Burr that she had been involved in a sexual encounter with Roy Spencer, a man of no fixed address, at a hotel in Chorley. The girl explained that she had been coerced into performing sexual acts for Spencer, who was described as a pervert and a predator.

Rather than offering support or trying to help the girl escape her distress, Burr allegedly encouraged her to take further action. She advised the girl to contact Spencer and offer to perform for him at her own home. This manipulation led to Spencer agreeing to the arrangement, and a sum of £200 was transferred into Burr’s bank account as a result of the exploitative act.

Roy Spencer, who was 73 years old at the time, was subsequently sentenced to eight years in prison at Preston Crown Court for his involvement in the abuse. The court heard that the victim was under the control of a boyfriend who was described as controlling, and she was in urgent need of money—specifically, £140—to settle a drugs debt. The trauma from her ordeal was severe enough that she was admitted to hospital, where she remained as an inpatient until she could access the necessary support and counseling services.

Burr pleaded guilty to sexual assault, claiming that it was not her idea to perform the sex show. However, Judge Heather Lloyd, during sentencing, emphasized that her actions demonstrated a lack of responsibility and moral judgment. She stated, “Even so, you did not take the role of the sensible adult and say no. You prepared for it, you allowed your home to be used, you had your own costumes and accessories.”

The judge acknowledged that women in desperate circumstances might resort to selling sex, but she made it clear that involving a child in such activities is entirely unacceptable. “The sad and simple fact is you used her in order to gain money and you were not thinking of her welfare,” Judge Lloyd remarked. The case highlights the tragic exploitation of vulnerable minors and the failure of adults to protect them from predatory behavior in the community of Coppull and beyond.