On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, paedophile Joseph Turner was convicted of sexual offences against two girls and two boys, primarily occurring after he enticed them to the woods in Rawtenstall.
The initial victim was 14 years old, while Joseph Turner was 20 when he manipulated her into believing they were in a relationship. During that period, he raped her while she was asleep, sexually attacked her, physically assaulted her, choked her with a belt, threatened her with knives, and verbally abused her. He referred to her as his wife and even presented her with a ring.
The second victim was 16 when Joseph Turner enticed her to his flat in Rawtenstall, subsequently raping her. He also perpetrated sexual assault against her at a cemetery.
The two boy victims were under nine years old when Turner lured them to the woods and sexually assaulted them.
Joseph Turner, residing at Linden Lea, Rawtenstall, was apprehended and subsequently charged with multiple offences.
After a trial at Burnley Crown Court, he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault against a child; two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child; four counts of raping a female under the age of 16; one count of raping a female over 16; two counts of intentional strangulation; and one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
He was detained for sentencing at the same court on June 6th.
DS Sarah Hargreaves, of the East Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said: “Turner is a dangerous individual who poses a risk to children by his perverted sexual interests and warped sense of entitlement.
“I welcome these verdicts which came as a result of the bravery of the victims first of all in coming forward and telling us what Turner did to them and then reliving those awful experiences while giving evidence during the trial.
“I want to take this opportunity to praise the investigation team – DC’s Jenny Berry, Alex Biggs and Liam Morris – who worked diligently and patiently to gather all the evidence that led to the conviction after trial.”
If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, report it online via https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or call 101. If a crime is in progress always call 999.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.