A Wallasey Paedophile, John Fisher, was released from court today due to a dementia diagnosis that rendered him unfit to face trial.
A jury at Liverpool Crown Court concluded that John Fisher had perpetrated a prolonged campaign of rape and sexual assault against two females. However, the paedophile could not be incarcerated as he was not formally convicted of the charges due to his physical circumstances.
A judge today cautioned that John Fisher continues to present a danger to women and girls while issuing a supervision order that permits him to retain his freedom under specific terms.
Michael Scholes, representing the prosecution, stated that John Fisher perpetrated rape and sexual assaults against two girls during the 1990s and early 2000s. Liverpool Crown Court was informed that the victims reported the offences years later, resulting in charges against the 75-year-old.
During a crown court hearing last year, he asserted his intention to contest the charges; however, several medical evaluations determined that he was incompetent to stand trial due to a diagnosis of vascular dementia. In an uncommon action, John Fisher’s case was then presented to a jury during a fact-finding hearing. Mr. Scholes stated: The jury determined that the defendant had indeed committed the actions and that the victims were truthful.
Although juries in these hearings assess the facts of a case akin to those in a trial, they lack the authority to convict. In some cases, offenders are punished by a judge based on the jury’s findings; yet, the absence of a conviction significantly limits the court’s authority to impose punishment. The sole alternatives in John Fisher’s situation were to confine him in a hospital, impose a supervision order, or release him.
Medical professionals determined that he was inappropriate for a hospital order, and during a prior hearing, Judge Anil Murray stated that a discharge, which would result in no further action, would be inappropriate since Fisher required the oversight of support staff.
John Weate, in defence, asserted that a supervision order was the sole appropriate choice. Mr. Weate stated: I have reached a conclusion, and my view is that I cannot, in good conscience, request the court to contemplate an unconditional discharge.
Both victims reported that they continue to grapple with the repercussions of the abuse, which has profoundly impacted their entire lives. In a court declaration, one individual remarked: I often contemplate the person I may have been had this event not occurred.
Judge Anil Murray imposed a two-year suspension order on John Fisher, the maximum penalty. He expressed apprehensions regarding Fisher’s conduct in recent years and stated that he continues to present a risk to the public. He stated: Although the latest violation in this matter occurred 20 years ago, there is evidence of your sexually improper conduct against workers at the facility where you resided, as well as towards members of the public.
John Fisher, formerly residing on Webster Avenue in Wallasey, received a two-year supervision order. He was issued a restraining order prohibiting contact with his victims for ten years, along with a sexual harm prevention order imposing similar restrictions for the same duration. He will be obligated to adhere to the notification rules for sex offenders for a duration of five years.
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