A judge said Ann Lunt didn’t show any remorse for the attack on her husband (Image: Liverpool Echo)
A woman who bit her husband during a row over the television volume was also found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy. Anne Lunt, who was told by a judge that her actions were “borne of exactly the same determination to be in control”, left her young victim too terrified to speak out about her predatory crimes. Despite her continued denial of the offences, her victim bravely told the court: “I think this abuse will live with me for the rest of my life.”
The judge criticised Lunt for her “distorted views about what is acceptable” and described her as “someone who wishes to be in charge and do as she wishes”. He also noted that her tears in court were merely “a brief and temporary episode of her thinking about somebody else”.
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday how Lunt performed sex acts on the complainant twice, verbally abused him and hit him after the first incident, and ignored his protests during the second. The 59 year old from Sefton Moss Villas in Litherland reportedly told the boy that she could do whatever she wanted while subjecting him to the assaults. Lunt, seen wiping away tears in court, listened as David Watson, prosecuting, read a statement from the boy. In it, he revealed: “I get a lot of flashbacks of what she did to me,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
Ann Lunt sobbed in the dock (Image: Liverpool Echo)
“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 occasioning actual bodily harm in 2021, for which she received a three-year community order and unpaid work.
The ECHO reported at the time that the “barbaric” defendant sat glowering in the dock as it was revealed how she drew blood from her then husband’s finger, having bitten him when he switched off their television after she refused to lower the volume.
This occurred after she had spoken “in graphic terms” about past boyfriends of hers and hurled several photographs in his face.
Ann Lunt walked free from court. (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Judge Neil Flewitt KC went on to remark that he had “rarely come across anybody less remorseful” than her and that the “tears she shed in the dock were shed out of pity for herself and nobody else”. Rachel Oakdene, representing Lunt during her most recent court appearance, informed the judge: “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 explained how Lunt had previously been employed at a chemical laboratory for 22 years, stating: “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.
“Addressing mental health concerns, 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 from HMP Styal clad in a grey cardigan, she was sentenced to four-and-a-half years.
In sentencing, Judge Denis Watson KC stated: “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.”
The judge, referring to a psychological report prepared by a specialist doctor ahead of the hearing, said: “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.
Ann Lunt bit her husband’s finger drawing blood and making him shout out in pain (Image: Liverpool Echo)
“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 lead 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.
