LAWRENCE THOMPSON FROM HAWARDEN AND HOLMFIRTH JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST THREE SCHOOLGIRLS

In a case that has shocked the communities of Hawarden, Holmfirth, and surrounding areas, Lawrence Thompson, a 78-year-old man, has been sentenced to prison for committing serious sexual offences against three young schoolgirls. Thompson, who was previously a self-employed business consultant, was also known for his volunteer work as a mentor within a young enterprise scheme aimed at inspiring children to pursue careers in business.

His involvement in this scheme was cut short after allegations surfaced that he had groped a schoolgirl during a school trip to a business fair. The incident prompted an internal investigation, leading to Thompson’s resignation from his volunteer position. The allegations against him spanned several years and involved multiple victims, which ultimately resulted in his conviction.

Thompson, now residing in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, faced charges that included sexual touching and engaging in sexual activity with minors. The offences took place across different locations in North Wales, specifically in Flintshire, Wrexham, and Rhyl. During the court proceedings, Thompson admitted to the charges, which detailed inappropriate conduct over a period of four years.

Judge Niclas Parry presided over the case at Mold Crown Court and described the gravity of Thompson’s actions. He pointed out that there were three separate victims, and the misconduct was not a one-time event but a pattern of behavior. The judge highlighted that in one instance, Thompson engaged in grooming behavior, which involved building a relationship of trust with a young girl to facilitate his inappropriate actions. In another case, Thompson exploited his voluntary role in a work environment that provided him access to young girls, during which he grabbed a girl’s bottom and slapped her. The third victim was subjected to unwanted sexual touching when Thompson took advantage of an opportunity to do so.

Judge Parry emphasized that there was a significant age disparity between Thompson and his victims, and he attempted to downplay or minimize his actions during the proceedings. The court was told that Thompson’s offending was committed in the modern era, despite his age, at a time when society is increasingly aware of and vigilant against sexual offences. The judge stated, “You knew what you were doing was wrong,” underscoring the seriousness of his misconduct.

Thompson’s guilty plea was considered a mitigating factor, and the court acknowledged his otherwise clean criminal record, with no previous convictions. It was also noted that he had not engaged in more severe forms of abuse, such as touching the victims’ breasts or genitals. Nevertheless, due to the number of victims, the duration of the offending, and the aggravating circumstances, the court sentenced him to eight months in prison, with the sentence to be served immediately and without suspension.

Prosecutor Elen Owen stated that during police interviews, Thompson admitted to buying alcohol and tobacco for one of the girls but denied any sexual activity. He also admitted to touching the other two victims. Defense lawyer Simon Rogers argued that the level of offending was at the lower end of the spectrum, emphasizing that Thompson had not touched the victims’ naked bodies nor attempted to induce them to touch him. Rogers pointed out that the victims did not have to give evidence in court, and Thompson’s guilty pleas demonstrated remorse and acceptance of responsibility, which could aid his rehabilitation.

Thompson, who has three adult children in their 30s, was supported in court by his daughter. His legal representative highlighted his long history of hard work and his recent retirement after running his own consultancy business. The defense also stressed that Thompson was a respected member of his community and that the allegations had a profound impact on his reputation and personal life. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offences and the need to protect vulnerable minors from such conduct, regardless of the offender’s age or previous good character.