In 2020, the Offender Database reported that John Paul Molyneux, then 27, of HMP Altcourse, Liverpool, was sentenced to 20 months in prison. On Friday, 24 January 2020, Molyneux appeared at Liverpool Crown Court for a sexual attack on a teenage girl in Widnes, Cheshire.
The investigation established that Molyneux was out on licence for a previous robbery sentence when he targeted a girl under 16. Having consumed alcohol and cocaine, he arrived at a property in Widnes and forced his way inside. The prosecution reported that while slurring and swaying, he exposed himself and groped the girl, claiming he was “not a predator” as he advanced.
Violence and Judicial Findings
The court reported that when the victim resisted and screamed, Molyneux tried to silence her with his hand and her own hair. He gripped her by the neck and scalp with such force that she was sore for days. Although he initially denied the charges, claiming she had simply “freaked out,” he eventually pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 on 17 January 2020.
Judge Stuart Driver QC noted the impact of the experience on the victim. In a statement, the girl explained tthat he ordeal left her anxious and unable to trust others. The judge noted that the nature of the struggle, where Molyneux yanked her hair to silence her, marked him as a danger to the community.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Widnes, Cheshire, John Paul Molyneux was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 20 months in immediate custody.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were imposed for 10 years (until 2030).
- Restraining Order: A 10-year order was granted to protect the victim.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Molyneux is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cheshire Police. His history of robbery and his sexual violence against a child while on licence means his status remains under scrutiny.
As a registered sex offender until 2030, Molyneux must comply with notification requirements regarding his future residence. Authorities state that his disregard for the terms of his previous licence necessitates long-term supervision. Any breach of his registration conditions, his 10-year restraining order, or his ongoing monitoring in Cheshire will result in his immediate return to Liverpool Crown Court.
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