John Bailey

John Bailey, a 38-year-old man from Warrington, groomed a 12-year-old schoolgirl and her friends by purchasing vapes and alcohol for them before luring them back to his flat. Once there, he kissed the victim and touched her inappropriately, including attempting to place his hand under her clothing.

The offence occurred in February 2020. A complaint was made to Cheshire Police by staff at the victim’s school, leading to Bailey’s arrest. He initially offered no comment during interview, and the investigation was closed after the victim withdrew her complaint. However, in March 2026, Bailey contacted the police himself, admitting the offence during what he described as an “existential crisis” linked to his mental health.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, Bailey appeared via video-link from HMP Altcourse. He was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to sexual assault of a child. Judge Anil Murray described the behaviour as grooming and noted Bailey’s remorse as a mitigating factor, but concluded that an immediate custodial sentence was necessary. Bailey was also ordered to sign the sex offender register for 10 years and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

Bailey, of Annie Street in Orford, Warrington, has 21 previous convictions for 31 offences, though none were of a sexual nature prior to this case. The court heard that Bailey denied having a sexual interest in children during his police interviews.