Convicted paedophile who raped 11-year-old boy in Formby sand dunes fails to clear his name

A convicted and dangerous paedophile, who is serving life for raping a schoolboy on the sand dunes in Formby, has failed to clear his name at an appeal court on Friday 13th January.

Arthur James Catterall was jailed in 2011 for the horrific attack which took place in Formby sandhills 26 years ago.

Catterall, who had a previous conviction for abducting another boy in 1994, claimed he could not have committed the offence on the date alleged. Mr Justice Warby said: "The opportunity to commit the offence was there during the time set out by the prosecution." The judge, refused permission to appeal.

The judge who sentenced him branded him "very dangerous to young boys".

The 59-year-old from London, lured the 11-year-old to the attack scene by promising him a ride on his motorbike. He then took the child to sand dunes in Formby, where he gave him cider. Mr Justice Warby told London's Appeal Court: "Catterall then groped his victim before rolling him over and raping him."

The attack occurred in 1990 but the traumatised victim blotted out his memories for 20 years before finally going to the police.

Catterall constantly protested his innocence and insisted that the claims were fabricated and that there was no such encounter.

The Judge concluded: "This application is totally without merit."