Child molester shakes head as judge sentences him to prison for sick attacks on girls

A window cleaner showed a girl adult videos on Pornhub and then raped her.

Anthony Morrissey subjected the young woman to a series of sexual assaults and then told her to “keep it all secret”. He shook his head as he was jailed today for his heinous crimes.

On Tuesday afternoon, Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 69-year-old, of St Oswald’s Street, Old Swan, began his campaign by showing the primary school-aged victim “scenes of sexual activity between adults” on his Amazon Kindle. His offending then “progressed” by him sitting in a swivel chair and performing a sexual act in her presence.

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Prosecutor Steven Swift described how Morrissey then ordered her to perform sexual acts on him. The pensioner then raped her orally, telling her: “That was the best thing.”

His abhorrent behavior was eventually exposed when the girl’s mother discovered that she had attempted to access Pornhub on her phone after being “led” to the website by the defendant. Morrisey has no criminal record.

A woman left the courtroom after he waved to her as he entered the dock wearing a grey prison jumper. Rebecca Smith, defending, said her client had been “highly regarded” by friends and family members who had written recommendations for him, adding: “For a 69-year-old man, any prison sentence will have a dramatic and drastic impact.”

“He understands the consequences of a long prison sentence and that he will have to serve two-thirds of that sentence. He knows that his later years will be shortened as a result of his conviction.”

“All I ask is that your lordship does not extinguish any lights. His family is devastated and is standing by him.”

Morrissey was found guilty by a jury – five jurors returned today – of rape, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and causing a child to watch sexual activity following a trial last month. He stood shaking his head as he was sentenced to 13 years in prison, plus a further year of probation. He waved again to supporters in the gallery as he was led to the cells.

Passing sentence, Liverpool Court lay judge Andrew Menary KC said: “She was obviously telling the truth about everything that happened, including the fact that you told her to keep it all a secret or you would get in trouble. She is a delightful and bright little girl who was unaware of the extent of the abuse.”

“It is impossible to predict the long-term impact of the abuse on them. Unfortunately, I have no doubt that it will have a significant impact on them, which may last for many years to come.”

“You have children and grandchildren of your own and your conviction and inevitable prison sentence will significantly complicate those relationships. You have worked all your adult life, most recently as a window cleaner.

“You have no previous convictions and this is your first prison sentence. Your family members speak of your positive qualities and of utter disbelief at your crimes.”

Morrissey was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Constable Leanne Rodgers said after his sentencing: “Thanks to the courage and determination of the victim and her family, we were able to conduct a complex investigation which resulted in Morrissey being brought to justice. Although Morrissey denied the charges, he was found guilty of his absolutely appalling and depraved actions and will now spend a significant amount of time in prison.

“A court heard how Morrissey took advantage of a child’s trust to sexually abuse her. As you can imagine, the impact on victims of such horrific crimes is significant and long-lasting.

“I hope this verdict brings some comfort to the child and his family.”

Detective Inspector Daniel McWhinnie added: “We are fully committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and from those who would wish them harm. If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse or know that a child has been abused, please come forward and report it to the police.”

“We take all such reports extremely seriously. If you have the courage to come forward and speak to us, we have specially trained officers who will deal with you with sensitivity and compassion.”

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