Locations
Annie Street, Warrington, WA2
Description
A sex offender who groomed a 12-year-old schoolgirl handed himself in to police six years later during a mental health crisis.
John Bailey, 38, of Annie Street in Orford, Warrington, lured the girl and her friends to his flat in February 2020 after buying them vapes, cigarettes and alcohol. He kissed her and touched her inappropriately.
The initial Cheshire Police investigation collapsed after the girl withdrew her complaint. It was reopened in March 2026 when Bailey phoned officers, admitted the offence and later made further disclosures in interview.
He told police he had tried to kiss the girl but she turned away, so he kissed her neck. He admitted twice attempting to touch her under her clothing; she pushed him away both times, but he overpowered her on the third attempt and touched her for two to three seconds. He denied any sexual interest in children.
Bailey, who has 21 previous convictions for 31 non-sexual offences, appeared via video link from HMP Altcourse at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.
Prosecutor David Watson said the girl had met Bailey in a shop before he took the group back to his flat.
In mitigation, Jim Smith described the case as “unusual”, saying his “vulnerable” client had contacted police after the investigation had closed because of a “mental health or existential crisis”. Such honesty was rare, he added.
Judge Anil Murray told Bailey: “It seems to me that this case is less about using alcohol to dull the senses than about grooming. You invited a 12-year-old girl back to your flat, offering vapes and alcohol – that is grooming behaviour.”
He added: “You are clearly remorseful as you handed yourself in to the police and made admissions. Remorse is a significant mitigating factor here.”
However, the judge concluded: “Clearly, a sentence of imprisonment has to be imposed. On balance, I cannot suspend the sentence.”
Bailey was jailed for 20 months. He must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for five years.