NORTON MAN JAILED FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES
John Finney, now 66 years old, apologized to his victim for the sexual abuse he committed over 25 years ago.In a letter read aloud at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, he expressed genuine remorse for the pain caused to the young boy at that time.
Finney was detained in December 2017 after being accused of committing indecent assaults on his victim on three separate occasions during the 1990s.
The court proceedings revealed that he groomed the boy and later engaged in sexual acts with him.
Finney admitted to three counts of indecent assault.
It was also noted that he had previously served a three-year sentence in 2005 for similar offenses involving other minors.
Despite his apology and expression of remorse, Finney was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
The judge described the offenses as historic, involving grooming and a significant age difference, emphasizing how Finney’s actions robbed the child of innocence and led to depression, self-harm, and ongoing mental health struggles.
He will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and is prohibited from engaging in activities that involve children or vulnerable adults.
The NSPCC commented on the long-lasting damage caused by such abuse and urged survivors to seek support through the NSPCC Helpline or Childline.
