Dangerous child rapist who abused two young girls jailed for 24 years

A dangerous child rapist from Warrington who repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped two young girls has been jailed for 24 years.

A judge told Anthony Wilcock, “I have no doubt you are a dangerous offender.”
The 44-year-old, formerly of Warrington, had been convicted of 11 counts involving eight rape offences and three of sexual assault by penetration after a trial but Liverpool Crown Court heard today that he still maintains his innocence.
Gerald Baxter, prosecuting, said that Wilcock, of Harvey Avenue, Newton-le-Willows, abused one girl when she was aged between nine and 15 and the other child when she was aged between 12 and 14.
Sentencing Wilcock, who appeared via video link from prison, Judge Neil Flewitt, KC, said it was clear that the defendant drank to excess and took drugs and was aggressive and violent.
He began by sexually assaulting the first victim when she was nine and later began raping her while pinning her down. After she told a school friend the education establishment told the police but an investigation did not lead to his arrest and he began carrying out similar illegal activities with the other girl when she was 12.
She told how on one occasion while forcing her to perform a sex act on him he held her jaw open. “She said it was the most painful thing because you dragged her jaw down. She thought it was going to snap her jaw.”
The victim said it was the incident she most wanted to forget but no matter how much she tried to bury the memory she was unable to block it out, said the judge.
In impact statements read to the court by the prosecutor the victims told how their mental health has been severely impacted. The oldest one said that she always viewed herself in a negative light and had had to have counselling.
“I don’t want him to do this to anyone else. It cannot happen again.”
The other victim told how she had self-harmed and had suicidal thoughts. She has panic attacks including when she feels flesh on flesh which has strained relationships.
She said the memories “will haunt me for the rest of my life….I don’t want to die but don’t want to live with this either.”

Judge Flewitt ruled that the defendant is an offender of particular concern and imposed an extra 12 months licence. Wilcock will have to serve two thirds of the 24 year term before he can apply for Parole.
He said that his behaviour had “had a profound and lasting impact on all aspects of their lives. I’m satisfied both suffered severe psychological harm. I commend them for having the courage to speak out and give evidence against you.”
Wilcock was ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life and the judge also imposed indefinite a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders. The SHPO includes restricting his internet and computer access.
“You clearly have a sexual attraction to young girls and the misuse of computers and the internet is another way to satisfy that interest and can often be a way to the commission of contact offences,” said Judge Flewit.
David Polglase, defending, had told the court that Wilcock was a good father to his sons and when not in the grip of Class A drugs had worked. “There is no suggestion of sexual offending before the indictment period or since the indictment period.
“He does not accept the convictions but there is an acknowledgment he will have to deal with the consequences and work will be required in prison or on licence.”
After the hearing DC Lauren Cunliffe said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of the victims in this case for speaking about what happened to them.
“No-one should have to go through what they have been through, and I hope the conclusion of this court process will help to bring them some sense of closure. Although nothing will make them forget what this despicable man did, their evidence and courage has meant he is now behind bars for a considerable length of time, where he can’t do this to anyone else.
“Wilcock is clearly a sexual predator, taking advantage of innocent young girls for his own twisted gratification.
“The fact that he committed such dreadful crimes over a large number of years shows that he had absolutely no regard for how his crimes would impact the victims.
“Thankfully, the jury saw through his lies, and he now has many years in custody to contemplate his actions.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to report it to police via our website or by calling 101.”