Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 4th March 2025, at 07:55hrs
A Warrington man who sexually assaulted a woman in a local park, in front of her young child, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
John Whitfield, 37, of Layton Close, Birchwood, will serve a minimum of four years and 137 days before being eligible for parole.
The harrowing incident occurred in July 2024, at approximately 1:55 PM, when the victim was in a Warrington park with her young son.
Whitfield, who had been observed loitering nearby, launched a vicious attack, grabbing the woman from behind and forcing her into a wooded area. He then attempted to rape her and subjected her to further sexual assaults.
The victim bravely fought back, kicking and biting Whitfield while desperately trying to escape. Her young son, witnessing the terrifying ordeal, screamed nearby. In a moment of incredible presence of mind, as she managed to break free and flee with her child, she seized Whitfield’s mobile phone, which had fallen to the ground.
Seeking immediate assistance, the victim approached another woman in the park, who provided comfort and promptly contacted the police. The victim’s detailed description of her attacker allowed Warrington response officers to swiftly initiate a search.
The seized mobile phone proved crucial in the rapid identification of Whitfield. He was apprehended at his home address within an hour of the incident being reported.
Further investigation, including the retrieval of CCTV footage, confirmed Whitfield’s clothing at the time of the attack. Although he had changed clothes before his arrest, a subsequent warrant allowed officers to discover the original clothing hidden behind a shed in his garden.
Whitfield was charged with attempted rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration. He pleaded guilty to all charges at Liverpool Crown Court on August 28, 2024.
On February 28, 2025, at Liverpool Crown Court, Whitfield was sentenced to life imprisonment. In addition to the minimum term, he will be subject to indefinite license upon any future release and faces immediate return to prison if he reoffends. An indefinite restraining order was also issued, preventing him from contacting the victim.
Detective Sergeant Dave Gerrard praised the victim’s courage and the swift action of the officers involved. “I would like to recognise the incredible strength and courage of the victim and her family throughout the investigation. The victim and the witness who stopped to help her were vital to our efforts to ensure Whitfield faced justice for this horrific crime,” he stated.
He also commended the rapid response of the officers and the thorough investigative work that led to Whitfield’s arrest and conviction. “Our officers and staff are a formidable force and I am proud of the case they built against Whitfield.
They have ensured that a dangerous individual is in prison where he belongs,” DS Gerrard added.
“I hope this reassures residents that when horrific incidents such as this, rarely, but sadly happen, we are on the front foot in our determination to protect the public by finding the person responsible for such horrific crimes against women.”
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