Preston man who sexually assaulted boy is jailed for five years

A married dad who indecently assaulted a young boy nearly 30 years ago is today starting a five-year jail sentence following a trial at Preston Crown Court.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Richard Moriarty, 54, of Dorman Road, Ribbleton, Preston, was found guilty of committing two sexual charges against the youngster.

He is likely to serve half of his term in jail and the rest on licence, and must now sign the Sex Offender's Register.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Moriarty's victim shouted from the public gallery as his attacker was led away.

Preston Crown CourtPreston Crown Court
Preston Crown Court

Huw Edwards, prosecuting, said in interview, the victim could not recall how many times he was abused as a boy but it was "definitely more than once."

The defendant was also sentenced for breaking a woman's collarbone with a 'kung-fu kick', and five counts of buggery with a woman.

Read More
Wesham man, 78, faces rape and indecent assault charges

The court heard he caused the serious injury with a bare footed martial arts move involving spinning around with his leg raised, which landed and caused a fracture.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The woman was encouraged to lie about the cause of the injury. He was found guilty of wounding her.

In a character reference read to the court, Moriarty's eldest sister, 55, referred to him as a " quiet respectful man who worked full time until ill health" and that he enjoyed cooking and fishing.

She added the case "goes against everything I know about my brother. He is a quiet, unassuming man."

David Elias, defending, asked the judge to temper the sentence by showing "mercy" to the defendant.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "I do think in cases of historic sexual offences there is a difference in equating the person in the dock with the person who committed the offences all those years ago."

He told the court Moriarty had come to court "so frightened he was barely capable of speaking".

Judge Andrew Jefferies QC said the sexual assaults were aggravated by the young age of the child, but mitigated by evidence it was not a prolonged incident which took place in the circumstances of bullying.

The Lancashire Post is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. For unlimited access to Lancashire news and information online, you can subscribe here.