LOCKYEAR MCGLASSON WORKINGTON PAEDOPHILE DIES OF CANCER AND RECEIVES MERCY FROM COURT

In a highly unusual and emotionally charged case, Lockyear McGlasson, a 61-year-old resident of Cumberland Street in Workington, was recently sentenced in Carlisle Crown Court amid revelations of his terminal illness. McGlasson had pleaded guilty to a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against a young girl, with the court hearing that his crimes spanned over a period of four years.

Judge Paul Batty QC addressed the court and emphasized that, had McGlasson been in good health, he would have faced a significantly harsher punishment. The judge stated that, under normal circumstances, McGlasson would have been subjected to a lengthy custodial sentence due to the severity of his crimes. These offenses included seven counts of sexual abuse involving a girl aged between six and nine, as well as additional charges related to sexual assault, inciting sexual activity, and sexual touching.

The court was informed that McGlasson had also pleaded guilty to two counts of taking indecent photographs of the girl and four counts of possessing indecent images of a child. Police investigations uncovered a disturbing collection of 79 images and 19 videos stored on his computer, further illustrating the extent of his misconduct.

Prior to the diagnosis of his illness, Judge Batty had made it clear that McGlasson’s crimes were grave enough to warrant a lengthy prison sentence. However, the defendant’s defense attorney, Greg Hoare, highlighted the exceptional circumstances surrounding his client’s health. He explained that McGlasson was suffering from advanced oesophageal cancer, which was in an incurable stage, and that this diagnosis significantly impacted the court’s considerations.

During the hearing, McGlasson appeared via video link, and the court was told that his medical condition was dire. Judge Batty acknowledged the seriousness of his illness, stating that the medical records indicated he was suffering from a “very grave illness indeed from which it’s expected you will not recover.”

In light of these circumstances, the judge decided to impose a custodial sentence of two years, a punishment considerably lighter than what would have been typical for such offenses. The sentence included 18 months for the sexual offenses against the girl, to run concurrently, and an additional nine months for possessing indecent images, also concurrent. The judge described the sentence as “an act of mercy,” emphasizing that the court’s decision was influenced by McGlasson’s terminal condition.

Judge Batty also noted that nothing in his remarks would prevent the Secretary of State from releasing McGlasson on compassionate grounds if deemed appropriate. He concluded by condemning the crimes as “gross sexual abuse,” but explained that the sentence was a reflection of the court’s mercy given the defendant’s health. The case drew attention not only for the severity of the offenses but also for the compassionate considerations taken into account in the sentencing process.