KIERAN O’ROURKE SENTENCED IN PRESTON FOR CHILD RAPE AT PRESTON DOCKS

In a case that has shocked the local community, Kieran O’Rourke, a man from Preston, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of heinous crimes committed against a young child nearly two decades ago. The offences took place at Preston Docks, where the victim, a primary school pupil at the time, was subjected to repeated acts of sexual violence by O’Rourke.

O’Rourke, now 34 years old, was found guilty on multiple counts, including two charges of rape and two counts of gross indecency. The court heard that the abuse occurred when the victim was only eight years old, a period marked by innocence and vulnerability. Prosecutor Guy Mathieson detailed how the accused, who was then attending high school, would sometimes meet with friends near a secluded area close to the locking gates at Preston Docks. On one particular occasion, when the two were alone, O’Rourke forcibly took the young boy into nearby bushes and subjected him to sexual assault.

The court was also informed that O’Rourke, who is now a father to a seven-year-old child and three-year-old twins, had access to the victim’s home at the time of the abuse. This access was exploited by O’Rourke to carry out the heinous acts in a familiar environment, adding a layer of betrayal to the crime.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim, now an adult, delivered a heartbreaking statement. He expressed the profound impact the abuse has had on his life, stating, “I find myself in a position of bringing my devastating past back to life. It has ruined my life in ways I would have never thought possible.” He went on to describe how he had turned to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms, suffered suicidal thoughts, and experienced breakdowns in relationships and difficulties maintaining employment due to the trauma inflicted upon him.

Judge Stuart Baker addressed the court, emphasizing the importance of considering O’Rourke’s age at the time of the offences. He acknowledged that O’Rourke was a damaged child himself, but also pointed out that by the age of 15, he was sufficiently aware that his actions were seriously wrong. The judge stated, “Much has happened in your life in the last 20 years. You are not now the same person you were when you committed these offences. You were a damaged child yourself. Nevertheless, at the age of 15, you were old enough to know that what you did was seriously wrong.”

As part of his sentence, O’Rourke is prohibited from working with vulnerable individuals and will be registered on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. The case has left a lasting scar on the community and highlights the enduring impact of childhood abuse, as well as the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.