A 59-year-old man convicted of child sexual offences stabbed himself in the throat directly outside a police station after being detained by officers. Stephen McLoughlin, from Kirkby, was rushed to hospital following the serious self-inflicted injury, which occurred on the evening of Friday, August 26, 2022.
Distressing Incident Captured on Video
The alarming event took place at approximately 5pm on St Chad's Drive in Kirkby, right outside the entrance to Kirkby Police Station. Merseyside Police officers had detained McLoughlin at the location prior to the stabbing. Distressing video footage of the incident, which shows McLoughlin inflicting the injury on himself and being pushed into nearby bushes, was widely shared online, drawing significant public attention.
Extensive Police Response and Cordon
Following the stabbing, police established an extensive cordon around the area outside the police station to secure the scene. Authorities described McLoughlin's injuries as serious at the time, though they later confirmed he was in a stable condition when transported from the location for medical treatment. The swift response by emergency services ensured he received urgent care.
Subsequent Trial and Conviction for Child Sexual Offences
Nearly four years after the self-harm incident, McLoughlin faced justice at Bolton Crown Court. He underwent a six-day trial where he was charged with multiple offences related to child sexual exploitation. The charges included attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming, attempting to cause or engage a girl aged 13 to 15 in sexual activity, and two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child.
Additional Charge for Possession of a Bladed Article
In addition to the child sexual offence charges, McLoughlin was also charged with being in possession of a bladed article in a public place, relating to the weapon used in the stabbing. After deliberation, a jury found him guilty on all counts, confirming his culpability in these serious crimes.
Sentencing Scheduled for April
Stephen McLoughlin is now awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled to take place on April 2 at Bolton Crown Court. The court will determine the appropriate punishment for his convictions, which carry significant legal penalties. This case highlights the severe consequences of child sexual offences and the dramatic events that can unfold during police interventions.
The combination of the violent self-harm incident and the subsequent criminal trial underscores the complexities and dangers involved in policing and prosecuting such sensitive cases. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding children and addressing related crimes with rigorous legal measures.
