Cecil Thorn

Cecil Thorn, 48, formerly of Wirral and now residing on Favona Road in Auckland, New Zealand, was extradited back to the UK to face charges of child sexual abuse. He maintained a 'vigil of silence' throughout the legal proceedings, refusing to speak in his defence even as the brave victim testified about the repeated abuse he inflicted upon her.

Thorn was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court of three counts of sexual assault and three counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. This conviction follows a previous eight-year sentence in 2013 for similar offences in Wirral, highlighting a pattern of predatory behaviour. The court heard detailed accounts from the victim, who described the molestation that occurred when she was a child.

Sentenced to 10 years in prison with an extended one year on licence, Thorn must serve at least five years before parole eligibility. The Liverpool Echo covered the case on 17 July 2021, noting the international effort to bring him to justice and the victim's courage in speaking out.