A WORKINGTON pensioner who suffers with dementia has been put on the Sex Offender Register after a jury concluded he sexually abused two children.

Philip Alfred Callow, 69, was deemed incapable of facing a criminal trial over the allegations that he faced because of his “degenerative” brain condition.

But after hearing evidence, a Carlisle Crown Court jury concluded he did commit the acts alleged.

Those acts were:

  • A sexual assault on a girl aged under 13.
  • Two charges of inciting the same girl to engage in sexual activity.
  • Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
  • Causing a child under 13 to look at an image of sexual activity.
  • And a further sexual offence against a different child.

At Carlisle Crown Court, Judge Michael Fanning said he did not doubt that there had been a “significant impact” on the two victims but he pointed out that the defendant, of Great Clifton, Workington, had no recollection of his offending.

The court heard that Callow probably did not understand what was happening in court because of his medical condition. Because of this, said the judge, said the only outcome available was to impose a conditional discharge.

Judge Fanning pointed out that Callow will now have to have his name entered on to the national Sex Offender Register for five years.

The defendant sat in court throughout the hearing, showing no reaction.