In 2021, the Offender Database reported that Tommy Gorst, then 24, of Hinde Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, was sentenced to 27 months in prison at Sessions House Court. Gorst, a “vile” and “vicious” predator, was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with two schoolgirls. The investigation by Lancashire Constabulary revealed that Gorst “vilely” targeted the children for his own “vicious” sexual pleasure, showing a “callous” disregard for their age and well-being.
The court heard horrendous details of how Gorst groomed his first victim via Facebook, leading to a “serious” and “vile” sexual encounter. Years later, the victim reported the abuse after being referred to a therapy service. The second victim was “vilely” lured back to Gorst’s bedroom under the guise of dying her hair. Despite the girl “making it plain” she was still at school, Gorst “viciously” pressured her into sex, telling her “it isn’t going to hurt” and “you don’t have to tell anyone.” The victim reported feeling “frozen” and simply “stared at the ceiling” until he stopped.
During the proceedings, the prosecution emphasised the “vicious” impact on the survivors. One girl reported that she now struggles to understand what a “safe relationship” is and feels “overwhelmed” by daily life. The second victim reported that the “vile” experience led to “self-loathing,” increased self-harm, and drug use as a coping mechanism. Gorst, however, remained “callously” self-centred, “vilely” claiming in his police interview that it was “love” and that he had “helped” the girls lose their virginity.
Judge Graham Knowles QC emphasised that Gorst “knew right from wrong and chose wrong.” The court reported that Gorst showed a “vicious” attitude toward women, telling a psychiatrist he had slept with dozens of girls of “all shapes, sizes and ages.” The judge emphasised that a “serious” custodial sentence and long-term monitoring were necessary to protect the public from Gorst’s “vile” and “predatory” behaviour.
As a result of his convictions for sexual activity with a child, Tommy Gorst was jailed for 27 months and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. He was also handed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which “viciously” restricts him from living with or entering the home of any girl under 16 without official approval. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Lancashire Constabulary, ensuring his behaviour in Lancaster and across Lancashire is strictly monitored. Any further “vile” actions or breaches of his SHPO will result in his immediate arrest and return to prison.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.