BLACKBURN PAEDOPHILE JAILED AFTER SEXUALLY ASSAULTING SLEEPING CHILD
John McDonald, 35, of Orkney Close, appeared before Preston Crown Court charged with engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a child and sexual assault.The offence took place in spring 2024 in the defendant's home when the victim was asleep in McDonald's bed.
Later that night, the victim awoke to the defendant sexually assaulting her, and she immediately reported the incident to her parent.
A victim impact statement, read out by prosecutor Richard Howarth, said: “The sexual assault was not a moment in time but has changed my life in ways that I cannot imagine.
I live with anxiety and a loss of trust, I struggle with sleep and relationships, and the emotional pain is constant.
This crime has taken away my sense of security and decency, and I had to rebuild myself piece by piece, and that process is ongoing.” Recorder John Richard Jones ruled that there was a degree of planning in the offence, because he waited for her to fall asleep and took advantage of her.
He also highlighted that the defendant had tried to prevent the victim from complaining to the court and her father, and stated that the defendant had videoed her stating his denial.
Throughout the recording, the victim appeared disturbed by it and in complete disagreement with the assertions made.
Hayley Parkes, mitigating, outlined how the defendant had positive character references from previous employers and had been in a position of responsibility when working with a security firm.
She also outlined that he acts as a carer for his father, who now relies on his partner for care, who has difficulties of her own.
McDonald was jailed for four years and will be subject to a restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years.
He was given no credit as he maintained his innocence throughout, which resulted in a jury trial.
