FORMER SOLDIER JULIAN FAIRHURST OF PADCAGE SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGER

In January 2004, Julian Fairhurst, a 36-year-old former soldier from Padgate, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting a teenage girl he met through an internet chat room.

Liverpool Crown Court was informed that Fairhurst initiated contact with the girl, then 15 years old, in November 2002. The contact began after Fairhurst reached out to an old Army colleague whose daughter knew the girl. Prosecutor Geoffrey Lowe explained that their online communication started with discussions about music, but gradually extended to topics involving family and personal issues.

The girl, who remains unidentified for legal reasons, eventually met Fairhurst in person at a party held at his ex-colleague's house. Fairhurst, a married father of two, continued his contact by sending text messages in February 2003. When her parents realized the nature of their interactions, they prohibited her from further contact with Fairhurst.

Mr. Lowe stated, "The defendant purchased another email address, which the girl knew about. His persona in that new address was as a 17-year-old male called Liam."

The court also heard that Fairhurst, of Rudloe Court, temporarily ceased communication when he learned the girl had a boyfriend her own age. However, on March 30 of the previous year, she visited his home while his wife was out, claiming that he had contacted her and threatened to self-harm.

During this visit, she alleged that Fairhurst led her into his bedroom, removed her clothes, and indecently assaulted her. She tried to stop him and pushed him away.

Fairhurst’s defense lawyer, Eric Lamb, argued that his client suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder due to his Army service. Lamb claimed that Fairhurst met the girl because she was feeling suicidal and that he was trying to help her. He stated, "He cannot recollect committing the offence, which was an isolated incident."

Lamb added, "This was neither a case of grooming nor a case of taking a victim to a quiet place in order to carry out an offence."

Judge William George sentenced Fairhurst to three years and also ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.