June 2014

Paedophile jailed for sexually molesting young girl

A PAEDOPHILE convicted of sexually molesting a young girl more than a decade ago has been jailed for four and a half years. 

A judge told James Arthur Franklin, formerly of Culcheth but now living in Southport who has a previous similar conviction, “The simple fact is you are a paedophile attracted to pre-pubescent females.

“You are in denial and less likely to be amenable to treatment,” said Judge Robert Warnock.

“I regard you as a real danger to pre-pubescent females and you have shown no remorse or insight.”

He added that Franklin, who showed no emotion, seemed to believe the “truly pathetic reasoning” he had given at trial to back up his denials.

Judge Warnock said that 12 years ago Franklin began by grooming the girl by exploiting her interest in horses and his sexual abuse of the child, when she was eight or nine, escalated in seriousness.

“Although I hope it is not the case it does appear that her psychological harm is permanent,” he added.

Franklin, of Peak Avenue, Atherton, was convicted in April by a jury of one offence of indecency with a child and seven of indecent assault representing a course of conduct spanning about 18 months.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Wednesday, that the abuse stopped in about November 2003 when police were informed that Franklin had sexually abused another young girl and in July the next year he was jailed for nine months.

After that abuse came to light the girl was asked if he had also abused her but as she was confused and embarrassed she made no allegations against him, said Nick Kennedy, prosecuting.

Over the ensuing years she struggled to deal with what had happened to her and it would be brought back to mind when she saw him at equestrian events with his wife.

“That and other factors including the need for some release led to her decision in February last year to tell the police about what had gone on. More mature and confident she was able to speak about it,” said Mr Kennedy.

The 51-year-old IT worker was interviewed by police in April last year and denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence at trial.

The judge today imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and ordered Franklin to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

David Morton, defending, said Franklin had co-operated with the pre-sentence report and was using his time in prison constructively and hoping to be a “listener” for other prisoners.

August 2004

Jailed for indecent assault on girl, eight

A CULCHETH man was jailed on Friday for groping a child.

James Franklin, of New Church Lane, Culcheth, was sentenced to nine months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court and ordered to sign on sex offenders register for 10 years after indecently assaulting a girl, aged eight.

Franklin, aged 41, and the girl were both staying at a mutual friend’s house in Lowton when the incident happened, in November 2002.

The judge, Mr Justice Hughes, told Franklin that he accepted it had been a single incident involving touching over the clothing but that it had been a child victim and had been preceeded by him standing watching her.

He added: “There are worrying features about such an incident.”

Franklin had been found guilty after a three-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Anthony O’Donohoe, defending, said that Franklin still denies committing the offence.

He said Franklin was a hard-working, family man and that losing his job would jeopardise his home and impact on his family.