JOHN FINLAY FROM BARROW SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST CHILD IN CUMBRIA

In a case that has shocked the community of Barrow, a 68-year-old man named John Finlay has been sentenced to more than three years in prison following a disturbing sexual assault on a young girl. The incident, which took place on August 17 of this year, has left lasting scars on the victim, who is under 13 years old, and has prompted serious legal repercussions for Finlay.

Finlay, who resides on Barton Street in Barrow, pleaded guilty to the charge of assaulting a child by penetration. The court heard that the assault had a profound impact on the young girl, who now suffers from nightmares and has lost her usual sparkle, as described by her mother. The trauma has visibly changed her behavior, with her mother noting that she has started wetting her bed and appears more withdrawn.

During the hearing at Preston Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Fiorella Brereton, detailed the events and the aftermath. The young girl had told police that she had asked Finlay to stop three times during the assault, and on the third request, he ceased his actions. Finlay later admitted to police that he should not have done what he did and expressed remorse for his actions. It was revealed that he had consumed eight pints of bitter and two brandies prior to the incident, which may have impaired his judgment.

Mrs. Brereton also presented a victim impact statement from the child's mother, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll the assault has taken on her daughter. The mother described her child's changed demeanor and the ongoing nightmares, highlighting the devastating effect of the crime.

Judge Heather Lloyd, presiding over the case, delivered a stern sentence, condemning Finlay's actions as dreadful. She stated, “No sentence would be long enough for the parents and no sentence will bring back her innocence. No little girl should be subjected to such criminal behaviour.” The judge also noted that Finlay appeared to have derived sexual gratification from his conduct.

In addition to the 40-month prison term, Finlay was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely. The court also issued a sexual offences prevention order and disqualified him from working with children for an indefinite period. These measures aim to prevent any future harm and protect the community from potential risks posed by Finlay.

Representing Finlay, his defense lawyer, Mr. Brian Williams, acknowledged the gravity of the offense but emphasized that it was an aberration and not indicative of his character. He clarified that Finlay, a roof tiler by profession, had not engaged in grooming or luring the child into any trap, and expressed that his client was deeply ashamed of his actions. Mr. Williams also stated that Finlay had pleaded guilty and was at a loss to explain why he committed such a terrible act, offering an apology on his behalf.

Overall, the case has left a lasting impact on the community of Barrow, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that justice is served for victims of such heinous crimes.