In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Martin Willcocks, then 50, of Westhead Avenue, Kirkby, Merseyside, was jailed for a series of serious sexual offences against a child. Willcocks, who worked as a driver for Huyton Travel Ltd, was convicted of indecent assault and indecency with a child following two trials at Liverpool Crown Court. The investigation revealed that he systematically targeted his victim from the age of six, manipulating her into believing his conduct was normal.
The court heard that the abuse escalated over several years, involving systematic molestation and horrific acts of sexual violence. The impact on the victim was profound; the prosecution emphasised that she had attempted to take her own life as a result of the ordeal. Despite the trauma, she came forward in January 2017 to protect other children, expressing fear that Willcocks might target minors while working on his bus routes.
During the sentencing, Judge Andrew Menary QC emphasised the survivor’s “courage and fortitude” in providing a strong and confident account of the offending. The judge reported that Willcocks had used his position to groom and bully the girl, ensuring her silence for years. While Willcocks denied the charges and sobbed as his fate was read out, the jury’s majority verdict of 10-2 confirmed his guilt on all counts.
As an Offender of Particular Concern, Martin Willcocks was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with an extended two years on licence. He must serve at least eight years behind bars before being considered for parole. As a result of his convictions, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and was made subject to an indefinite restraining order to protect the survivor. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Merseyside Police, ensuring his behaviour in Kirkby and the wider Liverpool area is strictly monitored upon any future release.
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