Chorley paedophile jailed for raping a child and sexually assaulting another
Thursday, April 2, 2026
A man has been jailed for 12 years for raping and sexually assaulting a child and sexually assaulting another child.
Liam Hailwood raped and sexually assaulted a girl at a property in Blackpool.
He sexually assaulted another girl at a property in Leyland.
At Preston Crown Court last week (26th March), Hailwood, 33, formerly of Hornchurch Drive, Chorley, appeared for sentence after being found guilty, following a trial, of 16 charges including rape of a female child under 13, attempted rape of a female child under 13, assault by penetration of a female child under 13 sexual assault of a female child under 13, sexual assault of a female child aged 13 or over, causing a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and causing a female child aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity.
He was jailed for 12 years, with an additional year on licence. He’ll have to serve a minimum of two thirds of this sentence.
Hailwood has been given a lifelong restraining order to protect the victims. He will also be subject to lifelong notification requirements and will have a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed until further notice.
In a victim personal statement, one of the victims said: “Emotionally, I live with feelings of failure, worthlessness, and shame. I blame myself, fear abandonment, and often feel broken inside. This offence has left permanent scars. My ability to feel safe, trust others, and live freely has been destroyed.”
The other victim said: “I feel that my childhood was taken from me, and at times I find myself making childlike decisions in adulthood as a way to seek comfort. I believe this is because I did not experience a normal childhood, and I continue to feel resentment about this loss.”
DC Sophie Llewellyn of Lancashire Police’s Child Protection Team said:
“Hailwood exploited two children and violated their most basic sense of safety, abusing them with devastating consequences. His actions caused lasting damage, and the court has rightly recognised this with a significant custodial sentence.
“The incredible bravery of the victims in coming forward has ensured this dangerous offender is off our streets and held accountable for his actions. While no sentence can ever undo the trauma caused, we hope this result offers them a sense of justice as they continue on with their recovery.”
Photo - Liam Hailwood
