PHILIP RAILTON FROM WEAVERHAM SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN NORTHWICH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Weaverham, Philip Railton, aged 38, has been sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison after being found guilty of repeatedly abusing a nine-year-old girl in her own home. The heinous acts took place in Northwich between November 2014 and August 2015, involving oral rape and sexual touching that left a lasting impact on the young victim.

Railton’s crimes came to light only after a significant delay, with the victim, described in court as vulnerable, taking the brave step of writing a letter to a police officer two years after the abuse occurred. This letter was discovered by her mother while packing her school bag, and it revealed the distress and fear she felt due to Railton’s actions. The girl expressed that she did not ‘feel safe’ around Railton, recounting incidents where he had touched her, kissed her, and forced her to perform sexual acts.

Following the discovery, her mother handed the letter over to a social worker, who then alerted the police. That same evening, police contacted Railton, although they did not disclose the identity of the complainant. Later that night, Railton made a call to the girl’s mother from a withheld number, which she described as sounding ‘nervous and confused’. This brief conversation was the extent of their contact, and no further communication occurred afterward.

Subsequently, an investigation was launched, and the victim provided a detailed account of the abuse during a police interview. Railton denied all charges, maintaining his innocence throughout the five-day trial. However, the jury deliberated and unanimously found him guilty on all six counts of sexual assault and abuse.

During sentencing, Her Honour Judge Simon Berkson expressed his regret over the case, highlighting the disturbing nature of Railton’s ability to establish a connection with the young girl. The judge emphasized that Railton had committed his crimes on six separate occasions within the girl’s own home, a place where she should have felt safe and protected. The victim was under the impression that revealing her abuse might lead to something worse happening to her, which contributed to her silence for so long.

Railton was sentenced to serve half of his 12-year prison term before being eligible for parole. Additionally, he received a one-year extended licence period, a restraining order against the victim’s family, and will be subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order to protect the community from further risk.