Liam Hailwood

Liam Hailwood, a 33-year-old man formerly residing in Chorley, Lancashire, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 26 March 2026 following a trial where he was found guilty of 16 serious sexual offences against children.

The offences occurred at properties in Blackpool and Leyland. Hailwood raped and sexually assaulted one girl in Blackpool, while he sexually assaulted another girl in Leyland. The charges included rape of a female child under 13, attempted rape of a female child under 13, assault by penetration of a female child under 13, sexual assault of a female child under 13, sexual assault of a female child aged 13 or over, causing a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and causing a female child aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity.

• The first victim was subjected to rape and sexual assault in Blackpool.
• The second victim endured sexual assault in Leyland.

Hailwood received a custodial sentence of 12 years, with an additional year on licence, requiring him to serve a minimum of two-thirds of the term. He was also issued a lifelong restraining order to protect the victims, lifelong notification requirements as a sex offender, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) until further notice.

In victim personal statements read in court, one victim expressed profound emotional trauma: 'Emotionally, I live with feelings of failure, worthlessness, and shame. I blame myself, fear abandonment, and often feel broken inside. This offence has left permanent scars. My ability to feel safe, trust others, and live freely has been destroyed.' The other victim shared: 'I feel that my childhood was taken from me, and at times I find myself making childlike decisions in adulthood as a way to seek comfort. I believe this is because I did not experience a normal childhood, and I continue to feel resentment about this loss.'

Detective Constable Sophie Llewellyn from Lancashire Police’s Child Protection Team commented on the case: 'Hailwood exploited two children and violated their most basic sense of safety, abusing them with devastating consequences. His actions caused lasting damage, and the court has rightly recognised this with a significant custodial sentence. The incredible bravery of the victims in coming forward has ensured this dangerous offender is off our streets and held accountable for his actions. While no sentence can ever undo the trauma caused, we hope this result offers them a sense of justice as they continue on with their recovery.' The case was investigated and prosecuted under the jurisdiction of Lancashire Police, highlighting their commitment to child protection in the region.