Man sentenced for sexually assaulting girl in Blackpool park

A 50-year-old man has been sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl in Gateside Park, Blackpool, in May last year.

An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed, along with a three-year restraining order and notification requirements for 10 years.

On 1 May 2022 Alexander Wardhaugh was walking his two dogs near the park when the girl approached him to stroke the dogs.

They walked to the park together when one of the dogs ran off.

Inside the park at a secluded location, as the girl was climbing a tree, Wardhaugh reached up and touched her.

He then followed her as she ran from the park.

Ruby Mckeague, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Alexander Wardhaugh carried out a shocking and shameless sexual assault upon a young girl in a public park in broad daylight.

“The girl showed immense courage by running away and immediately telling an adult what had happened to her. I would like to thank her and her mother for coming forward and reporting this incident which has enabled the CPS to bring him to justice.

“I hope now Wardhaugh has been sentenced, the child and her family can put this traumatic incident behind them.”