WILLIAM FARRELL OF NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS SHOCKS COURT DURING SENTENCING FOR HISTORIC SEX OFFENCES IN LIVERPOOL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Newton-le-Willows, William Farrell, aged 64, faced a lengthy and harrowing legal process in Liverpool Crown Court concerning allegations of prolonged sexual abuse against a young girl. The case, which spanned over a decade, revealed a pattern of heinous misconduct that Farrell had managed to conceal for many years, only coming to light during the court proceedings.

According to court records, Farrell began abusing his young victim in the 1980s when she was merely six years old. The abuse persisted until she reached the age of 16, a period marked by trauma and suffering that the victim endured in silence for many years. The court heard how she kept her ordeal hidden, feeling ashamed and terrified of the repercussions if she disclosed the abuse earlier. It was only in October 2009, after she became pregnant, that she confided in close friends, fearing for her child's safety and finally revealing the truth about Farrell’s actions.

During the sentencing hearing, the victim sat in the public gallery alongside her husband, just a few yards from certain members of Farrell’s family, some of whom continued to support him despite the allegations. The court was informed that Farrell, a former retailer, had been due to be sentenced on Monday, September 10, but he collapsed in the dock, which led to the proceedings being temporarily halted. As reported in last week’s St Helens Star, Farrell was taken ill after experiencing a sudden collapse, prompting immediate medical attention.

Four days later, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, Farrell was brought back into Liverpool Crown Court. He sat between two security guards, listening as the judge outlined the serious charges against him. Judge Graham Morrow delivered a somber and empathetic account of the lasting damage inflicted upon the victim. He emphasized how she had felt compelled to keep her suffering secret for many years, battling feelings of shame, self-blame, and fear. The victim described how she had lost her childhood innocence, struggled academically, and faced difficulties trusting others, especially men. She expressed her hope that her current relationship and her young child might help her find healing and a sense of unconditional love.

Judge Morrow highlighted the profound emotional scars Farrell’s actions had left on his victim, noting that she blamed herself for what happened and that the court proceedings had triggered painful memories, including flashbacks and nightmares. Addressing Farrell directly, the judge stated, “You continue to deny committing the offences. Your family members remain supportive of you, and your wife will provide a home and support upon your release from prison. However, the victim will have to live with what you did for the rest of her life. You will have to live with the consequences of your actions and the impact on your family.”

As part of the court’s ruling, Farrell was disqualified from ever working with children and was placed under a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The court also heard that Farrell, who resides on Legh Street in Newton-le-Willows, had been found guilty of six counts of sexual abuse dating back to the early 1980s. The offences were only disclosed after the victim’s pregnancy, which prompted her to reveal her long-held secret.

In a dramatic turn of events during the sentencing, Farrell suddenly collapsed in the dock, causing the court to be cleared immediately. Witnesses, including members of his family, initially feared the worst as they left the courtroom. Farrell, dressed in a dark suit and tie, was seen sitting with his arms folded as the security personnel attempted to revive him. The incident prompted an emergency response, and Farrell was swiftly taken to hospital for treatment. The court announced that Farrell’s sentencing would be rescheduled, with a new date set for the following Friday, as the legal process for this disturbing case continues.