THOMAS WEST SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN WALTON FOR ABUSING TWO YOUNG GIRLS

In April 2015, Thomas West, a 39-year-old man from Dyson Street in Walton, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse and rape of two vulnerable young girls. The case, heard at Liverpool Crown Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that left lasting scars on his victims.

West was found guilty on seven counts of raping a child under the age of 13. The court also established that he had committed an additional 15 counts of sexual abuse against his first victim, referred to as Child A. The evidence presented during the trial painted a grim picture of West’s actions, which included forcing Child A to watch pornography and participate in strip poker, activities that were clearly designed to exploit and manipulate her innocence.

Furthermore, West was convicted of abusing a second child, known as Child B, with whom he had also engaged in sexual misconduct. During the proceedings, it was revealed that West had coerced Child B into posing naked for an indecent photograph, an act that compounded the trauma inflicted upon her. Notably, Child B was present in court during the trial, a testament to her courage in facing her abuser and seeking justice.

Prosecutor Nicholas Walker emphasized the profound and traumatic impact West’s crimes had on his victims. He highlighted the long-lasting psychological scars that would likely affect them for the rest of their lives. The court heard that Child A was suffering from flashbacks, while Child B was battling depression and had seen her educational progress severely hindered due to the abuse.

West’s defense attorney, Desmond Lennon, attempted to argue that his client refused to accept responsibility for his actions. He expressed West’s disappointment with the verdict, claiming that his life had been shattered by the convictions. However, Judge David Aubrey, QC, was unequivocal in his condemnation. The judge stated that West had destroyed Child A’s childhood and caused almost incalculable harm. He emphasized that West’s denial of guilt persisted despite overwhelming evidence against him.

During the sentencing, West, who was dressed in a grey tracksuit and wore glasses, with his long hair tied back in a ponytail, showed no remorse. As the judge delivered his verdict, West shook his head in the dock. Judge Aubrey made it clear that there was “no mitigation in this case,” underscoring the severity of West’s crimes.

The judge described the damage inflicted on Child A as devastating, noting that her innocence had been stolen and that she would carry psychological scars for the rest of her life. He also pointed out that West’s actions had left Child B with depression and had negatively impacted her education. The court acknowledged the bravery of both victims in coming forward to report the abuse.

In addition to the prison sentence, West was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. The judge confirmed that West would serve a minimum of eight years behind bars before being eligible for parole, and he showed no emotion as he delivered the sentence, marking a grim chapter in Walton’s ongoing fight against child abuse.