JOHN ELLITHORN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR RAPE IN MUCH HOLE AND PRESTON
| Red Rose Database
Much Hoole Rapist
In a case that has shocked the local community, John Ellithorn, a man with a background as a police cadet and formerly employed by BT, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl. The crimes took place in the areas surrounding Much Hoole, near Preston, and Walmer Bridge, with the victim enduring a prolonged period of abuse that only came to light after many years.
Ellithorn, aged 55 and residing on Felton Way in Much Hoole, was convicted of multiple charges following a detailed two-week trial at Preston Crown Court. The court heard that the victim, who was between the ages of eight and 14 at the time, was subjected to a series of disturbing acts, including being tied up and blindfolded during sexual encounters. The severity of these acts was underscored by the judge, Stuart Baker, who remarked, “The range of activities you indulged in means I cannot regard them as other than of the gravest seriousness.”
During the proceedings, the court reviewed impact statements from the woman, who recounted the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon her. Judge Baker emphasized that the harm caused to her extended into her adult life, influencing her mental health and well-being. As part of his sentence, Ellithorn was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was permanently barred from working with children, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
The case was notably complex, with a previous trial ending in a hung jury in May. The recent conviction came after the woman bravely came forward to police, revealing the abuse she had endured. Ellithorn initially denied the allegations, dismissing them as “fabricated – Hans Christian Anderson stuff,” and maintained his innocence throughout both trials. He faced seven counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault, all of which he was found guilty of by unanimous verdicts.
Testimony revealed that Ellithorn, who also showed a disturbing interest in photography, had once shown the girl a pornographic magazine and instructed her to mimic the poses while he took pictures. The court also heard that he had engaged in acts of tying her up and blindfolding her before sexual activity, with some of these incidents occurring at locations including Walmer Bridge and Fulwood.
Throughout the trial and sentencing, Ellithorn showed no visible emotion. His defense lawyer, Nadine Hope, argued that his background as a former police officer would make a prison sentence “cataclysmic” for him. However, the court was unpersuaded, and the judge handed down a ten-year sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Catherine Thomas of Lancashire Police commented on the case, stating, “These were horrific and degrading crimes committed against a young, defenseless, and vulnerable victim over a prolonged period of time. The victim has displayed courage and bravery throughout the police investigation and the ordeal of giving evidence in court.”
DC Thomas further noted that Ellithorn’s refusal to admit guilt and his attempt to make the victim relive her trauma in court had caused additional suffering. She highlighted the importance of the conviction as a message that justice can be achieved even after many years, encouraging other victims to come forward and seek justice for their experiences.
Ellithorn, aged 55 and residing on Felton Way in Much Hoole, was convicted of multiple charges following a detailed two-week trial at Preston Crown Court. The court heard that the victim, who was between the ages of eight and 14 at the time, was subjected to a series of disturbing acts, including being tied up and blindfolded during sexual encounters. The severity of these acts was underscored by the judge, Stuart Baker, who remarked, “The range of activities you indulged in means I cannot regard them as other than of the gravest seriousness.”
During the proceedings, the court reviewed impact statements from the woman, who recounted the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon her. Judge Baker emphasized that the harm caused to her extended into her adult life, influencing her mental health and well-being. As part of his sentence, Ellithorn was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and was permanently barred from working with children, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
The case was notably complex, with a previous trial ending in a hung jury in May. The recent conviction came after the woman bravely came forward to police, revealing the abuse she had endured. Ellithorn initially denied the allegations, dismissing them as “fabricated – Hans Christian Anderson stuff,” and maintained his innocence throughout both trials. He faced seven counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault, all of which he was found guilty of by unanimous verdicts.
Testimony revealed that Ellithorn, who also showed a disturbing interest in photography, had once shown the girl a pornographic magazine and instructed her to mimic the poses while he took pictures. The court also heard that he had engaged in acts of tying her up and blindfolding her before sexual activity, with some of these incidents occurring at locations including Walmer Bridge and Fulwood.
Throughout the trial and sentencing, Ellithorn showed no visible emotion. His defense lawyer, Nadine Hope, argued that his background as a former police officer would make a prison sentence “cataclysmic” for him. However, the court was unpersuaded, and the judge handed down a ten-year sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Catherine Thomas of Lancashire Police commented on the case, stating, “These were horrific and degrading crimes committed against a young, defenseless, and vulnerable victim over a prolonged period of time. The victim has displayed courage and bravery throughout the police investigation and the ordeal of giving evidence in court.”
DC Thomas further noted that Ellithorn’s refusal to admit guilt and his attempt to make the victim relive her trauma in court had caused additional suffering. She highlighted the importance of the conviction as a message that justice can be achieved even after many years, encouraging other victims to come forward and seek justice for their experiences.