LLOYD GARRATT CHORLEY MUSIC TEACHER SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the local community of Chorley, Lloyd Garratt, a former music teacher at Garstang Community Academy, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for serious sexual offences involving a minor girl. The sentencing took place at Preston Crown Court, where Garratt, aged 32 and residing on Liverpool Walk in Chorley, faced justice for his disturbing actions.

Garratt was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of ten years and was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect for five years. These measures are part of the court’s efforts to monitor and restrict his activities following his conviction. The charges against him included two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexual activity with a child, all relating to incidents that occurred between May and August 2015.

The case first came to public attention in October 2016 when Garratt, who had previously worked as a music teacher at Garstang Community Academy, admitted guilt to the charges. His arrest in August 2015 led to his suspension from the teaching position, and he was formally charged the following September. During the court proceedings, Garratt appeared in a suit with a purple tie, standing in the dock with his hands clasped, as he pleaded guilty to the three counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.

He also faced a separate charge of making an indecent photograph of a child, which he denied; however, the Crown accepted his plea of guilt on the other charges. Garratt was under police bail since his arrest, and his case drew attention from the public gallery, where five individuals observed the proceedings.

Joanne Rodikis, Garratt’s defense solicitor, explained that her client had provided a written basis of plea, and that reports would be prepared before the sentencing hearing. Judge Heather Lloyd, presiding over the case, stated that the case would be adjourned for sentencing, which was scheduled for November 4. She emphasized that Garratt would remain on unconditional bail until then but warned that the fact of the adjournment did not indicate the outcome of the case. The judge clarified that all sentencing options, including custody, remained open and that Garratt was now subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders’ register.

As part of his bail conditions, Garratt was restricted from having contact with any child under 16, except his own children, and was subject to restrictions on the use of internet-enabled devices. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding minors and the serious consequences faced by those who breach trust in such a manner.