Anthony Wilcock

Anthony Wilcock, a 44-year-old man from Earlestown, subjected two young girls to years of sexual abuse, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. The abuse came to light when the victims bravely reported his depraved behaviour, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court heard from prosecutor Gerald Baxter that Wilcock abused the first victim when she was aged between 12 and 14, and the second when she was between nine and 15. The offences occurred regularly and on multiple occasions, with one particularly violent incident involving Wilcock pinning the first girl down and raping her forcefully, causing her significant pain. She later recalled thinking her jaw would snap during the assault. After confiding in a school friend, the school notified the police, but the initial investigation did not result in his arrest, allowing Wilcock to continue his illegal activities with the second victim. The second girl endured similar regular rapes and assaults, including one described as particularly degrading and humiliating.

Wilcock was charged with eight counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He was unanimously convicted on all counts by a jury following a trial in which the victims were forced to relive their ordeals. He appeared for sentencing via video-link from HM Prison Liverpool on Friday.

• The first victim stated in her impact statement: “I feel this has massively impacted me and my mental health. I suffered much with my self-esteem due to this. I can’t stand to look at myself. He has taken my childhood away from me, taken my vulnerability as a child, and taken advantage of my vulnerability.” She described ongoing nightmares, sleepless nights, and a profound sense of haunting that would affect her for life.
• The second victim, who required counselling, noted elevated anxiety and stress levels, but expressed relief at his conviction: “When he was charged and found guilty, it was a relief and like a weight had been lifted... I do not want it [the abuse] to happen to anyone else. It cannot happen again.”

Defence counsel David Polglase acknowledged Wilcock's previous convictions for dishonest and violent offences, noting that while there was no prior sexual offending history, Wilcock did not accept the convictions but recognised the need for rehabilitation in prison. Judge Neil Flewitt described Wilcock as a dangerous offender who drank excessively, took class A drugs, and exhibited aggressive and violent behaviour. He commended the victims for their courage in speaking out and giving evidence, stating that their lives had been profoundly and lastingly impacted with severe psychological harm.

Wilcock, of Harvey Avenue in Earlestown, was sentenced to 24 years in prison, of which he must serve two-thirds before parole eligibility. As an offender of particular concern, he received an additional 12 months on licence upon release, must register as a sex offender for life, and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and restraining orders. The case was reported by the St Helens Star, with details from the Liverpool Crown Court proceedings.