PAUL ATKINSON FROM ECCLESTON SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES NEAR CHORLEY

In a case that has shocked the local community, Paul Atkinson, a businessman from Eccleston, has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving minors. The 43-year-old, who resides on Towngate in Eccleston near Chorley, was found guilty of ten counts related to sexual activity with children following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

Atkinson’s criminal conduct included three charges specifically involving a child under the age of 13, while the remaining seven charges pertained to a girl aged between 13 and 17 at the time of the offences. Due to legal restrictions, the identity of the victims cannot be disclosed to protect their privacy and prevent further trauma.

Paul Atkinson, who grew up in Euxton, was known locally as the director of Westlea Garage and MOT Centre, as well as being involved in a tractor contracting business. His reputation in the community was shattered by the allegations and subsequent conviction, which revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

Following the sentencing, a former employee of Atkinson’s spoke out about his frustrations and concerns that he had raised years earlier. The former worker, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted an incident from 2008 when he was in the company’s brew room. During that encounter, Atkinson allegedly made a horrific sexual comment about the young girl involved in the case.

“We were in the brew room one day, back in 2008, and he made a horrific sexual comment about the girl,” the former employee stated. “I said: ‘That’s sick, you don’t say things like that about children.’”

He further explained that his concerns prompted him to inform family members, and within three months, he decided to leave his job to distance himself from Atkinson. “I didn’t want anything to do with him. He was a bully, a big bloke who was intimidating – he was all mouth,” he added, emphasizing the fear and discomfort that surrounded Atkinson’s behavior.

The case has brought to light serious issues regarding safeguarding and the importance of speaking out against inappropriate conduct, especially when it involves vulnerable minors. The community and authorities hope that justice has been served and that the victims can begin the process of healing after this harrowing ordeal.