JOSEPH MULLEN FROM DARWEN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR CHILD ABUSE IN EAST LANCASHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Darwen and the wider East Lancashire region, Joseph Mullen, a 59-year-old man, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of heinous child abuse spanning over two decades. The conviction was handed down following a comprehensive week-long trial at Preston Crown Court, where the jury deliberated and ultimately determined that Mullen had engaged in a series of disturbing and inappropriate activities involving four young girls.

These victims, whose ages ranged from 10 to 15 years old at the time of the abuse, endured significant emotional and psychological trauma. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the girls had suffered 'intense distress' from reliving their traumatic experiences, with one of them reporting nightmares and describing herself as being 'greatly scarred' by her ordeal. The court was also informed that some of the girls had previously reported similar incidents, but regrettably, no action was taken at that time to protect them or investigate their claims.

The allegations against Mullen included engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, three counts of sexual activity with a minor, ten charges of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Notably, he was acquitted of one indecent assault charge. The evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of a man who showed no remorse for his actions and who posed a significant risk to the safety of children.

Judge Pamela Badley, presiding over the case, expressed her condemnation of Mullen’s conduct. She stated that she had read moving personal statements from the victims and observed the pain etched on their faces during the trial. The judge emphasized that Mullen’s attitude appeared to be one of denial regarding his actions and that his sexual attraction to children, coupled with his refusal to accept responsibility, made him a danger to the community.

As a result, Mullen was sentenced to 14 years in prison, with an additional six-year extension to ensure ongoing protection for the public. Furthermore, he was subjected to a sexual offences prevention order, required to register as a sex offender, disqualified from working with children, and ordered to pay a statutory surcharge of £120. His defense, represented by Jane Dagnall, highlighted that Mullen had no previous convictions for similar offences, although he had a criminal record that included convictions for kidnapping and assault. Dagnall also noted that Mullen was currently on antidepressants and experiencing mental health issues, but she acknowledged that he remained in denial about his actions.

Throughout his time in custody, Mullen has reportedly behaved himself, and he has been engaged in employment and educational activities. Nonetheless, the severity of his crimes and the impact on his victims have left a lasting scar on the community of Darwen and the surrounding areas of East Lancashire, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children.