A paedophile has been locked up for more than five years after sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl over a 12-month period in Warrington.
Terry Blackmore, 78, with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to multiple offences at Liverpool Crown Court on 20th October. His crimes included taking indecent photographs of children in categories B and C, possession of indecent images, four counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, and assault by touching under clothing.
The court heard Blackmore repeatedly abused his victim over a year, beginning when she was just eight years old. His vile acts included inappropriate touching and taking indecent photographs of the child.
Detective Constable Heidi Ryder praised the bravery of the victim following the sentencing. She said she would like to commend the victim for the courage she has shown in coming forward and talking about what happened to her.
DC Ryder stated that nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through and expressed hope that Blackmore being behind bars would provide her with some closure. The officer’s comments highlighted the traumatic impact such abuse inflicts on young victims.
Alongside his five years and four months sentence, Blackmore was handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will place strict restrictions on his activities and movements upon release. He will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life, ensuring authorities can monitor him permanently.
The Sexual Harm Prevention Order can include provisions preventing contact with children, restricting internet use, and imposing geographical limitations. Breaching such orders constitutes a criminal offence carrying further imprisonment.
Registration on the sex offenders register requires Blackmore to notify police of his address, any changes of residence, foreign travel plans, and other personal details. Failure to comply with registration requirements also carries criminal penalties.
DC Ryder emphasised that Cheshire Police treat all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated. She stressed that the wishes and needs of victims remain the main priority throughout investigations.
The detective constable urged victims never to feel ashamed about talking about what they have been subjected to, reassuring them they will receive help and support from specialist officers and other agencies. She confirmed that all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity under British law.
Child sexual abuse investigations require specially trained officers who understand the sensitivity required when dealing with young victims. Police work alongside social services, healthcare professionals and specialist charities to provide comprehensive support.
The 12-month period of abuse meant the victim endured repeated trauma whilst trying to navigate childhood. Such sustained abuse can have profound psychological effects lasting into adulthood, requiring extensive therapeutic intervention.
Category B indecent images of children depict non-penetrative sexual activity, whilst category C includes other indecent images not falling into the most serious categories. Even possessing such material constitutes a serious criminal offence carrying imprisonment.
Blackmore’s guilty plea spared his victim the ordeal of giving evidence at trial, though she may still have been required to provide statements and undergo police interviews during the investigation. His admission at least provided some acknowledgement of responsibility.
The five-year, four-month sentence reflects the seriousness of sustained sexual abuse against a child combined with the production and possession of indecent images. Sentencing guidelines require courts to consider the harm caused to victims and the culpability of offenders.
At 78 years old, Blackmore will be well into his eighties before completing his sentence, assuming he serves the standard two-thirds before potential parole consideration. His advanced age does not diminish the seriousness of his crimes or the harm inflicted.
The indefinite nature of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order means Blackmore will face restrictions for the remainder of his life unless he successfully applies to have the order lifted, which requires demonstrating he no longer poses a risk.
Cheshire Police’s investigation gathered sufficient evidence to secure convictions across multiple charges, demonstrating thorough casework despite the challenges inherent in investigating historical child abuse allegations.
Support services available to victims of child sexual abuse include the NSPCC helpline, Childline, local authority safeguarding teams, and specialist counselling services. Many victims benefit from long-term therapeutic support to process their trauma.
The case serves as a reminder that historical abuse will be pursued vigorously by police regardless of how much time has passed. Victims who come forward years or even decades after abuse can still see perpetrators brought to justice.
Blackmore’s lack of fixed address at the time of sentencing may indicate social isolation or transient lifestyle, though courts do not allow homelessness to mitigate sentences for serious offences against children.
The victim’s courage in reporting the abuse and supporting the prosecution demonstrates remarkable strength given her young age and the traumatic nature of her experiences. Her actions have protected other potential victims by removing Blackmore from society.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
