JOHN MOLYNEUX FROM WIDNES SENTENCED FOR TERRIFYING SEXUAL ASSAULT AT HMP ALTOCOURSE
In a disturbing incident that unfolded in Widnes, a teenage girl endured a harrowing and frightening ordeal at the hands of John Molyneux, a man with a troubling criminal history.The events took place in the early hours of a winter night in January 2020, leaving a lasting impact on the young victim and drawing significant attention from the legal system.
According to court reports, Molyneux, who was 27 years old at the time and currently incarcerated at HMP Altcourse, arrived at a property in Widnes after a night of heavy drinking and drug use.
He had consumed a line of cocaine earlier that evening, which appeared to influence his erratic behavior.
The victim, a girl under the age of 16, was at her home when Molyneux approached, knocking on a window to gain entry.
When she responded by opening the front door, Molyneux managed to slip his foot into the doorway, effectively blocking her escape.
Inside, the situation quickly escalated as Molyneux engaged her in conversation.
Witnesses and court testimony described him as being visibly intoxicated, with slurred speech and a swaying stance.
He also emitted a strong smell of alcohol, indicating his impaired state.
Prosecutor Sarah Badrawy told Liverpool Crown Court that Molyneux, who was on license after serving part of a six-year sentence for robbery, revealed to the girl that he had recently been released from prison.
During their interaction, he made inappropriate comments, telling her she was “fit,” and then proceeded to make unwanted advances.
Despite her clear rejection and pleas for him to leave, Molyneux ignored her protests.
He then exposed himself and groped her, actions that caused her significant distress.
The court heard that he attempted to silence her screams by covering her mouth with his hand and, in a further act of aggression, used her own hair to try to muffle her cries.
During a struggle, Molyneux held her tightly by the neck and scalp, causing her pain and soreness that persisted for days afterward.
The victim, terrified, continued to demand that he leave her home.
However, Molyneux yanked her hair back forcefully, which allowed her to break free.
Once she managed to escape, she sought help from neighbors, and police were promptly called to the scene.
When officers arrived, Molyneux was arrested.
During questioning, he admitted to having been drinking and taking cocaine earlier that night.
He claimed he had traveled by taxi to the property to meet someone he expected to find there.
Molyneux also stated that he had hugged the girl, which caused her to panic, and he initially denied exposing himself, pleading not guilty during a court hearing on November 13.
However, on January 17, just three months before his scheduled trial in April, Molyneux changed his plea and admitted to engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.
The court was informed of a personal statement from the victim, which detailed the profound psychological trauma she experienced.
She described feeling anxious and finding it difficult to trust others following the incident.
Defense lawyer Philip Tully argued that Molyneux’s early guilty plea spared the victim from the ordeal of cross-examination and acknowledged the seriousness of the case.
Despite this, Judge Stuart Driver QC emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that the charge of sexual activity with a minor would significantly influence the sentencing.
Ultimately, Molyneux was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
The judge also imposed a restraining order and ordered that he be placed on the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years.
Addressing Molyneux directly, Judge Driver stated, “You made it not only unpleasant but a terrifying experience,” underscoring the severity of his actions and their impact on the victim.
