A judge said her courtroom reaction was merely ‘a brief and temporary episode of her thinking about somebody else’
Anne Lunt, of Sefton Moss Villas in Litherland, aged 59(Image: Merseyside Police)
An “obsessive and rude” woman who sexually abused a teenage boy wept as she was jailed. Anne Lunt subjected her victim to acts of violence as she carried out her disturbing and predatory crimes.
The teen was left “scared to tell anybody” about his harrowing experiences for years. While the depraved community café volunteer still “maintains her vehement denial of the offences”, her victim today told a court: “I think this abuse will live with me for the rest of my life.”
A judge meanwhile told his abuser that she held “distorted views about what is acceptable” and labelled her “someone who wishes to be in charge and do as she wishes”. He also remarked that her courtroom tears were merely “a brief and temporary episode of her thinking about somebody else”.
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday that Lunt performed sex acts on the complainant on two occasions, calling him a “dirty b*****d” and hitting him following the first incident and continuing to touch him “despite his protestations” during the second. The 59-year-old, of Sefton Moss Villas in Litherland, was also said to have to “told him that she could do what she wanted” as she subjected him to the assaults.
Lunt was seen with reddened eyes and wiped away tears as David Watson, prosecuting, read a statement to the court on the boy’s behalf. In it, he said: “I get a lot of flashbacks of what she did to me.”
He added: “The flashbacks are painful and upsetting. They range from me being angry and snappy with people, but more often than not make me feel suicidal.
“For years, I struggled to tell anybody [about the abuse]. As I got older, I knew what she did was wrong. However, I was so scared to tell anybody. I hated having a secret. I hope I can move on, but I think this abuse will live with me for the rest of my life.”
Lunt has one previous conviction for assault in 2021 after biting her husband on the finger. Rachel Oakdene, defending, told the court: “Your honour is aware of the background of these proceedings, particularly in relation to mental health issues and, perhaps, the vulnerability of the defendant.
“On a more positive note, there are references in support of Mrs Lunt. It is clear that people close to Mrs Lunt have taken time and effort to support her and do, perhaps, show a positive side to her character.
“In relation to her conviction, Mrs Lunt maintains her vehement denial of the offences but understands that she, today, falls to be sentenced in accordance with the jury’s verdict. Before she was remanded into custody, she was residing alone. She was not in employment, but was in receipt of state benefits.”
Ms Oakdene outlined how Lunt had previously worked in a chemical laboratory for 22 years, adding: “She has no similar convictions. This is Mrs Lunt’s first time in custody. To her credit, there have been no adjudications or negative behaviours recorded against her by the prison authorities. She is using her time constructively.
“Dealing with mental health issues, there is no clear evidence of severe illness but, over the years, there has been a decline in her mental wellbeing. There was an anxiety episode in 2021 which contributed to significant difficulties and her marital breakdown.
“Mrs Lunt is aware that, for the first time, she faces a custodial sentence. I simply ask the court to impose a sentence which does not have a crushing effect on Mrs Lunt, which will allow her some hope for the future and which will allow her to move on. Intervention will allow her to put this very sorry episode behind her as soon as possible.”
Lunt was unanimously found guilty of two sexual offences following a trial. Appearing via video link to HMP Styal wearing a grey cardigan, she was imprisoned for four-and-a-half years.
Sentencing, Judge Denis Watson KC said: “Suffice to say that this all comes about because you are someone with a very domineering character, with very fixed but distorted views about what is acceptable. Basically, you are someone who wishes to be in control, in charge and do as you wish.
“You refuse to consider the effect on [others], which has had a substantial and very harmful impact on [the victim]. There was perhaps just a glimmer when his statement was read out, as I observed you. Perhaps, just for a moment, you were concerned with him rather than yourself. If that is right, that is but a brief and temporary episode of you thinking about somebody else.”
Of a psychological report prepared by a specialist doctor in advance of the hearing, the judge added: “The report refers to a decline in your mental health and your refusal to engage with support, your distrust of professionals and evidence of paranoia. You are somebody who is demanding and rude.
“There is evidence of obsessiveness and a need to control. There are common themes that occur, not just in reports but with features of the case. You have what is described as a controlling temperament. Everything I saw at the trial would led me to endorse and confirm these assessments of your character.
“There is but one conviction on your record for a physical assault of your husband, a conviction borne of exactly the same determination by you to be in control. There is much evidence that you are, in fact, a dangerous offender, but your age and limited antecedents have persuaded me that it is not necessary to pass an extended sentence.
“I have not overlooked the references from those who know you. Those short documents show a different side of you. Your contribution to a community café and others outside of the café are, I am afraid, of limited weight against the controlling, obsessive elements of your character and temperament that are exhibited in your behaviour towards [the victim].”
Lunt was also handed a restraining order which will prevent her from contacting her victim for 10 years. She will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
