NHS WORKER JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ASSAULT IN ST HELENS
An NHS worker named Leam Lock has been convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was detailed that Lock "squeezed her bottom, kissed her, and placed his tongue into her mouth." Prosecutor Fiona McNeill described how the victim reported the incident to her mother and a friend, which led to police involvement.
Lock attempted to justify his actions by claiming they were "play fighting," stating that the girl had licked his face and her tongue had "accidentally" gone into his mouth.
The victim's statement, read aloud in court, expressed that the assault left her feeling "sad and low" and made it difficult for her to trust men.
Lock has a previous conviction for theft.
Defence lawyer Steven Swift highlighted Lock's responsible work ethic, noting he has held a job as a payroll manager for 12 years and has no recent convictions.
Despite his positive character references, Lock was found guilty of one count of sexual assault of a child by a jury.
He was sentenced to two years in prison, and he immediately shook his head in the dock.
The judge, Ian Harris, condemned Lock for his "disgraceful behavior" towards the victim and called his explanation "ludicrous," referencing his attempt to justify the assault as "play fighting." Lock was also ordered to be placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years and given a restraining order to prevent contact with the girl for the same period.
