AIGBURTH PAEDOPHILE SIMON BIRTWISTLE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON YOUNG GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Aigburth, Simon Birtwistle, a 46-year-old software developer from Garston Old Road, was convicted and sentenced for the sexual abuse of a young girl. The heinous acts occurred when Birtwistle clandestinely entered the victim’s bedroom, wearing glasses equipped with a torch, which he used to illuminate his sinister actions.

During the proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that Birtwistle pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault involving a child under the age of 13. Additionally, he admitted to a serious sexual assault on the same young girl, further compounding the gravity of his crimes. The court heard that the offences came to light after the victim courageously disclosed what had happened, prompting Birtwistle to surrender himself to the police authorities.

Following his arrest, law enforcement officials conducted a thorough search of Birtwistle’s residence. Among the items seized were the torch-lit glasses he had worn during the assaults, along with his mobile phone and laptop. During police interviews, Birtwistle claimed he was unsure of his motives for committing these acts. He also denied experiencing sexual arousal or deriving any sexual gratification from his actions, a statement that the prosecution challenged as inconsistent with the nature of his crimes.

The court was informed that the young girl affected by Birtwistle’s actions was left emotionally distressed and confused, with her being told that she was not to blame for what had happened to her. It was emphasized that she was a vulnerable victim who deserved protection and justice.

It was noted that Birtwistle had no prior criminal convictions, which initially may have suggested a clean record. However, his defense lawyer, Neil Gunn, highlighted that Birtwistle, who had previously suffered from depression, had made significant admissions to the police. Gunn stated that his client was unaware of why he had committed the offences and insisted that he did not gain sexual pleasure from them.

Despite these claims, Judge Thomas Teague, QC, expressed skepticism about Birtwistle’s claims of innocence. The judge pointed out that Birtwistle remained in denial about the true nature of his actions. He remarked that once Birtwistle acknowledged that his crimes were driven by his own sexual gratification, he would better understand the reasons behind his conduct.

At the hearing, Birtwistle, who appeared bearded and balding and was dressed in a grey sweatshirt, showed no emotion as the sentence was handed down. The court was told that he was a highly intelligent individual who had previously held a prestigious position in the software industry. His career had been significantly impacted by his offending, leading to the loss of a high-powered job.

Neil Gunn, representing Birtwistle, recounted that his client’s father had managed the Merseymart Newspapers and that Birtwistle had worked for the family business before securing employment with an internationally renowned software development firm. Despite his professional success, Birtwistle’s actions had destroyed his reputation and career.

Judge Teague sentenced Birtwistle to a term of five years and four months in prison. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order to restrict his future conduct. The judge concluded by emphasizing the severity of the crimes and the importance of protecting vulnerable children from individuals like Birtwistle, who had once been regarded as a man of exceptional ability but had ultimately thrown away his integrity and career through his actions.