Latest Offenders Merseyside

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A serial paedophile from St Helens has been jailed today, on Thursday 18 December, after pleading guilty to child sex offences.

Melvin Miller, of no fixed address but formerly from Somerset, was sentenced to 11 years and four months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to the offences. He will also be on the sex offender register for life.

In August detectives charged 50-year-old Miller with five counts of historical Rape against a girl under 13 to which he subsequently pleaded guilty.

Detective Sergeant Emma O’Toole said:

“Miller was already serving a 16-year prison sentence in 2020 after pleading guilty to 30 offences against two girls.

“He subsequently admitted further offences in 2022 and was handed a further 15-year sentence to be served concurrently. Following a lengthy investigation Miller was charged with further offences to which he pleaded guilty and today he was given a further 11 years in prison to be served concurrently.

“I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by his victim throughout the investigation.

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“I would like to take this opportunity to stress that if you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police. 

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

08/05/2022

A CONVICTED paedophile has pleaded guilty to further sexual offences against a young girl.

Melvin Miller, 46 and originally from St Helens, was jailed in April 2020 for 17 years after pleading guilty to 35 sexual offences against two girls.

While he was in prison, one of the girls he abused told an adult about other rapes that she was subjected to by the defendant on a regular basis.

Police made further investigations and found a video on the hard drive of Millers computer that showed him raping her.

The evidence was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service and authorisation was given for Miller to be charged with further offences

Today (March 8, 2022) at Liverpool Crown Court, Miller pleaded guilty to offences of rape, attempted rape and taking indecent images of a child.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

In a statement Senior Crown Prosecutor Mairead Neeson, a specialist lawyer with CPS Mersey Cheshires Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit, said: The video evidence of the abuse of this very young girl found on the hard drive of Melvins Millers computer was harrowing and revealed the level of depravity he had inflicted upon her.

This young girl could not possibly have understood what she was being forced into she was just a means to an end for Miller.

"The feelings and emotions of this young child meant nothing to him. She now has to find a way forward in her life, having suffered such trauma.

She was unable to disclose the full extent of the abuse she had suffered when Miller was prosecuted in 2020, given her tender years and the inherent difficulty that exists for very young children to voice matters of such an intimate nature.

"This often happens. It is not unusual for children to deny the abuse they have suffered or be silent as to what has happened.

"It often takes years for victims of sexual abuse to vocalise what has happened to them. She has been exceptionally brave in coming forward despite still being a very young child.

The Crown Prosecution Service works hard to support the victims of child sexual abuse and their families and help them through the criminal justice system. Time is no barrier to a prosecution.

"We will listen to victims, no matter how long ago the offending took place.

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A man has been jailed for 12 years after raping a woman in Wirral.

Sean Duffin, 46, of no fixed abode, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Wednesday 17 December) after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault and non-fatal strangulation.

The offences occurred at an address in Wirral against a woman in July 2023.

As well as a prison sentence, Duffin was also handed a lifetime restraining order and placed on the Sex Offender Register for life.

Detective Sergeant Rebecca Robinson said:

“Duffin continually denied what he did and put his victim through the trauma of having to relive the experience by way of a trial.

“While no sentence will repair the damage Duffin inflicted on his victim, I hope this conviction has secured some justice for her. I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by the victim throughout the investigation.

“I hope this sentencing shows and reassures the public how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and sexual abuse.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. 

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”

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A man from Clock Face has been jailed for 12 years for child sex offences.

Christopher Evans, 63, of Clock Face Road, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Friday 12 December) when he was sentenced after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of indecent images and causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The offences relate to the same victim between 2023 and 2024.

Detective Constable Robyn Reid said:

“Evans’ offences were utterly depraved and I’m sure anyone reading this will feel disgust and anger that someone could do this to a child.

“This was a shocking case and the sexual abuse of children is one of the most heinous crimes we tackle as a police force.

“As you can imagine for victims of such an appalling crime, the impact on them is significant and long-lasting. It’s only right that Evans has been given a lengthy prison sentence.

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and stopping those who seek to do them harm.

“We have a dedicated Child & Criminal Sexual Exploitation Team whose sole focus is on protecting young people and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form of sexual abuse to please report this to police, and specially trained officers will listen to you and treat you with sensitivity and compassion throughout the entire legal process and beyond.

“We also work with a range of partner organisations who are there to further support victims.”

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A  21 year-old man from New Brighton has been jailed after making indecent images of children and sharing them online.

Yesterday (Thursday 20 November) Charlie Clark of Vaughan Road was sentenced to two years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court for eight counts of malicious communications - sending offensive/indecent/obscene/menacing material via a public communications network, making an image of a child, offences under section 2 of the UK's Computer Misuse Act 1990 and three counts of possession of criminal drug including ketamine and MDMA.

Clark was also handed indefinite restraining orders for life against four of his victims and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. He will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for the next decade.

This follows an online report from a victim of Clark made in September 2023 who discovered that images of her had been uploaded to a website. The following day, a friend informed her that the images had been posted by Clark who when confronted via Instagram by the victim and admitted responsibility.

The victim also reported that Clark had accessed her Snapchat account without permission and downloaded images from her private folder, which he later uploaded online. He also extracted publicly available images from her social media profiles, edited some of them, and published them online along with derogatory comments targeting her and other females. One of the uploaded images depicted the victim at the age of just 16. Clark confirmed his actions via Instagram direct message.

Clark deleted his social media accounts but data was successfully recovered from cached sources and he was arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 2 of the Computer Misuse Act (CMA) and making a pseudo-image of a child. A search of his home address led to a further arrest on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug.

Following his arrest, seven more victims came forward, reporting that their images had also been uploaded online by Clark.

Detective Inspector John Black of the Cybercrime Investigation Unit said:

“Clark clearly had a shocking disregard for his victim’s privacy and the trauma his actions caused them.

“Following a detailed forensic examination of his device, officers uncovered an overwhelming amount of evidence relating to manipulated indecent images of his victims. The device also showed usage of deepfake-related platforms and emails impersonating staff from adult websites.

“Not only was Clark creating these images, but he was also found to have online social media accounts and access to adult websites that shared the photos.

“Each of his victims have shown immeasurable bravery in coming forward and telling us exactly what happened to them.

“I would like to thank them for supporting our investigation during what has been a difficult and distressing trial. It is thanks to them that Clark is now behind bars for his numerous crimes.”

Detective Constable Kirsty Carter added:

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children and women from online sexual abuse.

“The impact on them can be significant and long-lasting.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

Description

A convicted pedophile who filmed himself repeatedly raping two young girls boasted about committing "the worst sex crimes imaginable."

Daniel Wolfe, 40, waged a months-long "campaign of rape" against the victims in north Sefton, sharing the footage with other pedophiles online.

Wolfe also conspired via Telegram with two unidentified accomplices to abuse one girl further. He was exposed after confiding his interest in children to an undercover officer on a Reddit forum.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, Wolfe was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to 35 offenses, including 28 counts of rape. Judge Simon Medland KC told him: "You robbed them of their innocence and you robbed them of their childhood."

Prosecutor Frances Willmott said Wolfe told the officer in late November 2024 about his "shared perversions," specifying interest in children aged three and up, with a "sweet spot for girls between eight and 14." Arrested on December 4, 2024, Wolfe's devices revealed child sexual abuse images; he was rearrested on May 29, 2025, at his parents' home in Skelmersdale.

Wolfe raped his older victim over 20 times, forcing her to "perform" for the camera and sometimes film herself. He also raped the younger victim multiple times. Telegram chats from July 18 to August 14, 2024, showed Wolfe plotting abuse, telling his co-conspirators: "Look at us planning one of the worst sex crimes imaginable and getting horny about it." The meeting was canceled due to illness.

Wolfe took "several thousand images" of the victims, distributed some, and showed interest in bestiality. Devices had gaps in conversations with "closest paedo mates," suggesting self-deleting messages.

The victims suffered profound psychological harm: the older was "quiet, withdrawn [and] refused to speak about the defendant," fearing threats like "shave my skin or hair off but I still did things to please him." The younger appeared "upset and appears frightened about her life."

Wolfe had no prior convictions but a 2012 caution for indecent child images. Defense counsel Oliver Saddington noted the case's "utmost gravity" but highlighted Wolfe's "admissions and candour," remorse, and efforts to address "unhealthy sexual behaviours."

Judge Medland described Wolfe as outwardly "quiet-living, bland, maybe even boring" but inwardly a "vicious, determined, repeatedly active child abuser who revelled in it." Calling it the "most serious case of this type" he'd seen, the judge said the victims' impact would be "profound and lifelong... at the front or back of their mind until the day they die."

Wolfe must serve at least 14 years before parole eligibility, register as a sex offender indefinitely, and comply with a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.

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A man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for child sex offences committed in Southport.

Marcin Laskowski, 39 years, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday 7 October, to 14 years in prison with six years extended licence thereafter. He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order against the victim, an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

Today’s sentencing relates to child sex offences Laskowski (of no fixed address but lived in Southport) committed in January where he had engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.

Laskowski was found guilty of two counts of rape, assault by penetration and sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 following a trial in July.

Detective Inspector Tony Meakins of the Child & Criminal Sexual Exploitation Team said: “Laskowski preyed on a vulnerable child he had met by chance in Southport town centre and offered her a place to stay, where she thought she would be safe and trusted him. However once inside the flat he sexually assaulted and raped her despite her pleas to stop. She was left scared and frightened of what would happen to her.

“The victim and her family have showed immense courage and bravery throughout the investigation to reach this conviction.

“Today’s custodial sentence has removed him from the streets to prevent further harm to anyone else. I hope Laskowski spends this time in prison to reflect on his abhorrent behaviour and accepts that it is wrong.”

Detective Inspector Meakins added:

“I hope this sentencing encourages other victims to come forward and report sex offences to us, and they have confidence in us, as a police force, to take reports seriously where we will ensure offenders are put before the courts so that they can pay for their crimes.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We urge anyone who is a victim of any form sexual abuse to please report this to police, as we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”

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A man from Bootle has been jailed for 21 years for rape and multiple sexual offences.

Michael Senior, 32, from Bootle, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (Friday 19 September) after being found guilty of the following offences:

• Five counts of rape
• Two counts of sexual activity with a child
• Two counts of sexual assault
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

He was also convicted of making indecent images of a child, distributing indecent images of a child and possession of extreme pornography, which he had pleaded guilty to before the trial.

It follows a complex investigation into a report that a 12-year-old boy had first been subjected to a serious sexual offence in 2013. There were further reports of sexual offences against the same person across a ten-year period.

As well as a prison sentence, Senior has also been placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life and given a 20-year restraining order.

See below for an extract of a Victim Personal Statement read in court:

“Throughout the whole process, the investigation and the trial, Senior denied all the allegations put against him.

“This only enhanced the upset and trauma for the survivor of his appalling crimes and I sincerely hope this sentencing brings him some comfort.

“Thankfully the jury saw through Senior’s lies and found him guilty. He will now rightly spend a considerable amount of time in prison when he can reflect on his heinous actions.

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.”

Georgiana Panteli of the Crown Prosecution Service Mersey-Cheshire said:

“Over the course of a decade, Senior inflicted unimaginable trauma and it is testament to the extraordinary courage of the victim in coming forward that this abuser has been brought to justice.

“Working closely with Merseyside Police, we were able to show the jury how Senior violently threatened and intimidated his victim in an attempt to keep them silent.

“Despite Senior’s continued denial, we proved how he had lied about aspects of the case, including contradicting his own police interview when testifying in court.

“I hope today’s outcome sends a clear message that the CPS will relentlessly pursue those who sexually exploit children, and victims can be confident they will be heard, supported, and taken seriously.”

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We can confirm a man has been jailed for 18 years for rape and child sex offences in St Helens between 2008 and 2016.

Thomas Suffler, 50, of Fry Street, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Monday 15 September) after being found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and two counts of causing/inciting sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.

It follows reports that a girl had been subjected to these offences on multiple occasions between 2008 and 2016.

As well as a prison sentence, Suffler has also been placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for life.

Detective Constable Matthew Rimmer said:

“I hope the sentencing of Suffler shows that time is no barrier in reporting offences to Merseyside Police and we will take every report extremely seriously, regardless of when it occurred.

“I would like to commend the victim for coming forward and reporting the heinous crimes committed by Suffler. This result was only possible thanks to her determination and bravery.

“She was also forced to go through a trial after he denied the offences, but thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he was rightly convicted.”

Constable Clare Odgear added:

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“As you can imagine for victims of such an appalling crime, the impact on them is significant and long-lasting.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

Description

Pervert sex attacker targeted girl on train and said 'you're game'

Nathan Russell, a 28-year-old man with no fixed abode, sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on a train in March 2020. While intoxicated, he boarded the train at Leasowe station, engaged the girl in conversation after his friend left, mentioned his prison history, and proceeded to stroke her thigh for about 10 minutes, attempt to kiss her (which she dodged), and touch her sexually over her clothes. He asked if she was "game," implying sexual interest, despite her refusals. The girl moved his hand away, and he did not persist further.

Russell has a extensive criminal record with 40 previous convictions for 59 offenses, including battery, prior sexual assault (touching a 17-year-old girl at a train station in 2018, leading to a seven-year sex offender registration), and drunk and disorderly conduct. At the time of the train assault, he was on bail for an earlier January 2020 incident where he punched and kicked a man in Birkenhead after being denied alcohol or money. He also breached sex offender register rules by failing to report weekly as required after declaring homelessness.

In a victim impact statement, the girl described severe effects: PTSD, sleep issues, fear of further attacks, avoidance of going out alone, and ongoing therapy, noting a shift from being sociable to withdrawn.

At Liverpool Crown Court on July 20, 2020, Russell pleaded guilty to sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and breaching the register. His defense highlighted his alcohol dependency, remorse (calling his actions "disgusting"), vulnerability after his mother's 2017 death, and unstable living situation ("sofa to sofa"). Judge David Swinnerton sentenced him to 28 months in prison (half on license), a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and 10 years on the sex offenders register.

Update 2025-09-11

A convicted sex offender is back behind bars after stealing food from a Wirral branch of B&M.

Nathan Russell, 33, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates Court to charges of theft from a shop and failing to comply with the notification requirements of his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO).

The court heard that Russell, of no fixed abode, stole food worth £34.22 from B&M in Wirral on Friday, September 5, 2025.

At the time of the offence, Russell was subject to both a community order (CO) and a suspended sentence order (SSO).

He also admitted failing without reasonable excuse to comply with the notification requirements of his SHPO by not notifying police at Birkenhead Police Station within three days of his release from custody.

The magistrates sentenced him to eight weeks in prison for his latest offences.

Russell was made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order after sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl on a train in Wirral five years ago.

The court heard how, on Sunday, March 1, 2020, at around 8pm, his 16-year-old victim spotted Russell carrying a case of beer, swigging from a can, and arguing with a member of station staff at Leasowe station as she waited to board her train.

Russell and another man, whom the victim assumed to be his friend, boarded the train and sat in the same carriage as the girl.

When Russell’s friend left the train, Russell switched seats to move closer to the victim and began engaging her in conversation.

During the conversation, the girl began to feel increasingly uncomfortable as Russell touched her inappropriately—an ordeal that lasted over 10 minutes.

His terrified victim was afraid to challenge Russell, as he had told her he had served time in prison.

In a previous incident, Russell had touched a 17-year-old girl at a train station, which resulted in a conviction and him signing the sex offenders register for seven years.

He was sentenced to 28 months in prison for the 2020 offence.

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John Ahern, 73, of St Anne Street, Birkenhead, has been jailed for 19 years at Manchester Crown Court for sexually abusing two young boys decades ago.

He was found guilty by a jury of eight counts of indecent assault and one further sex crime charge.

Ahern manipulated the boys by building trust through discussions about music and outings, before indecently assaulting them at various locations, including houses and public areas in Manchester, Bolton, and Tameside.

The investigation by Greater Manchester Police began in March 2019 after the victims reported the abuse. Ahern denied all accusations during interviews and showed no remorse throughout the proceedings. Following a thorough investigation, charges were secured and prosecuted.

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A man casually told his wife he had been having sex with a teenage girl - and she alerted police, a court heard.

Paul Robinson's wife was said to have been 'horrified' at his confession, which he disclosed 'as if it was quite normal', a judge was told.

Robinson, a former care worker, then attempted to blame his victim by maintaining that he had been 'manipulated' into his actions.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday that his offending came to light after he 'disclosed to his wife that there had been sexual activity' between him and the teenager. The 38-year-old, of no fixed address but formerly of Stockbridge Village, made the confession 'as a matter of fact, as if it was quite normal'.

But Philip Astbury, prosecuting, described how his wife was left 'horrified' and contacted the police. Officers discovered a string of messages between Robinson and the girl.

While the complainant was initially "afraid to speak" to detectives, she later detailed how he had plied her with cannabis before "touching her inappropriately", reports The Echo.

Robinson has one previous conviction, receiving a community order in 2020 for disclosing private sexual images with intent to cause distress. Stella Hayden, defending, told the court: "This will be his first custodial sentence. During the course of his interview with probation, he was able to articulate a degree of remorse. He described being disgusted by his actions. He did express shame for the serious harm that he has caused.

"In custody, he has been referred for therapy and appreciates that he must work to address his offending behaviour. He is committed to engaging with all of the intervention that is offered to him. One can only hope that the intervention and rehabilitative work will address the risk that has been identified.

"The pre-sentence report details much of the defendant's background. The phrase used is his combined experience of trauma, including the loss of both of his parents at a relatively young age. He has suffered a decline in his mental and physical health in the past few years. The report discusses attempts on his own life and self harm."

Robinson admitted six sexual offences. Appearing in the dock wearing a peach coloured t-shirt, he was jailed for six years and eight months and told to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC referenced Robinson giving an account to the author of his pre-sentence report that the victim had instigated the sexual activity herself and claimed that he had been "manipulated" by her.

He said of this:

"If you have maintained that position, I would not have accepted it.

"This came to light when you told your wife about what had been happening. You groomed her through the messaging and the provision of cannabis. I note that, although you have been diagnosed as having a mild to moderate learning disability, you have been employed, primarily in the care sector. I take on board the submission that you have a limited criminal record, with only one previous conviction for a dissimilar sexual offence.

"This is your first custodial offence, and you have been making use of your time in custody. It is said that you have expressed remorse, but that is tempered with your attempts to blame your victim. She is trying to rebuild her life. She is trying to put all of this behind her."

Description

A man has been jailed for ten years for rape and a domestic-related offence against a woman in Cronton.

Joshua Chesters, 35, of Cronton Road, in Cronton, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (Thursday 4 September) after he was found guilty of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour.

In February of this year, Chesters raped a woman inside an address in Cronton.

The victim sustained multiple injuries and reported the incident to police once Chesters left the property the following day.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with the offences.

As well as a prison sentence, Chesters is also subjected to a 12-year restraining order and placed on the Sex Offender Register for life.

Detective Constable Tomas Bath said:

“This was an appalling case of sexual violence and I hope this sentencing brings the victim some comfort.

“Despite this woman’s horrific experience, she bravely contacted police to report what happened.

"I hope this sentencing helps others come forward and shows what will happen to their perpetrators.”

Description

A woman has been jailed after committing abhorrent sex attacks against a teenage boy.

"Obsessive and rude" Anne Lunt subjected her victim to acts of violence during 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 told the court: "I think this abuse will live with me for the rest of my life."

Lunt wept as she was jailed for four-and-a-half years, Liverpool Echo reports.

A judge said she had "distorted views about what is acceptable" and labelled her "someone who wishes to be in charge and do as she wishes".

He described her courtroom tears as "a brief and temporary episode of her thinking about somebody else".

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Lunt performed sex acts on the complainant on two occasions.

She called her victim a "dirty b******" and hit him following the first incident.

Lunt continued to touch him "despite his protestations" during the second ordeal.

The 59-year-old was also said to have "told him that she could do what she wanted" as she subjected him to the assaults.

Lunt, of Sefton Moss Villas in Litherland, wiped away tears as prosecutor David Watson read the boy's statement: "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.

Defending, Rachel Oakdene said: "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.

She said: "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.

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."

Speaking about a psychological report, the judge 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. 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 preventing her from contacting her victim for 10 years.

She will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Description

A despicable rapist attacked an unconscious woman repeatedly, leaving her feeling "so alone and trapped in her own thoughts". Lennox Smith, 24, assaulted the victim multiple times, causing her to fall pregnant before enduring devastating baby loss.

We can confirm that a St Helens man has been jailed for six years and nine months after carrying out serious sexual offences against a woman.

Lennox Smith, 24, of Upland Road, in Thatto Heath, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Friday 1 August) after pleading guilty to two counts of rape and sexual assault.

The offences occurred between May and June 2023 at an address in St Helens.

As well as a prison sentence, Smith was also issued with an indefinite Restraining Order not to contact the victim and is on the Sex Offender register for life.

In a Victim Personal Statement (VPS), the woman said:

“This has had a huge impact on my life. My whole life got destroyed. I had no control over my life or my body. I was disrespected to the highest levels. Physically I have never felt so weak in my whole life. Even though I have support from family and RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) and the officers on my case, I have never felt so alone and trapped in my own thoughts. My family tell me I’m different now and I’m not the same happy person that I used to be.

“I’m trying to accept there are parts of me I will never get back and trying my best to focus on each day as it comes. I’m ready to take my life back. I’m ready to become the best strongest version of myself I possibly can. I’m ready to focus on rebuilding my life properly again and finding myself again. I’m ready to put Lennox Smith in the past.”

Detective Sergeant Bob Sandham, who led on the case, said:

“I would firstly like to commend the victim for having the courage to report these offences and I hope the sentencing of Smith provides her with some comfort.

“This has been a complex and lengthy investigation, but thankfully we were able to provide enough evidence that Smith had no choice but to admit what he’d done.

“I hope today’s result shows that violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated in Merseyside and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We are committed to protecting victims of sexual offences, and anyone who reports an incident to us will be safeguarded and supported throughout the investigation by Specially Trained Officers and Sexual Violence Advocates who will provide all the relevant support.

“Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

A predatory sex offender abused a missing 15-year-old girl after encountering her alone at night. Brandon Ormond convinced his victim that he was a "good person" after approaching her in the street and handing her religious literature.

But he then whisked the vulnerable teen away to a secluded area near to a beach, where he subjected her to a series of vile sexual acts. Having then abandoned her once more in the early hours, she was ultimately discovered by police in distress near to a Morrisons supermarket.

Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, that the teenager went missing from home before travelling to New Brighton, Wirral, by bus, arriving in the area at around 10.30pm. She was then located by police at around 6am the following day, at which stage she "became visibly upset" and disclosed to officers that she had been subjected to a sexual assault.

Frances Wilmott, prosecuting, described how the girl went on detail how Ormond, of Ripon Road in Wallasey, had approached her and began talking to her. Despite having been "initially wary" of him, the 29-year-old went on to "tell her that he was a Christian and gave her a religious leaflet", which "made her think he was a good person".

The two thereafter sat on a bench, where the defendant asked if he could put his arm around her while "saying it was cold". Ormond subsequently suggested that they move to an underpass near to the beach as it "would be warmer", then began kissing the schoolgirl in this location in spite of being told of her young age.

Having subsequently "asked if she wanted to have sex", he pulled down his trousers and performed a sexual act upon her and "told her he thought she was fit" before being disturbed by a barking dog.

Ormond then left the girl and returned home at around 3.30am, leaving her to walk to the nearby Morrisons store alone before being found by police at daybreak. Having been identified and arrested, he told detectives that he believed the complainant was homeless and aged 18.

When his phone was analysed, it was found to contain a number of pictures of "partially dressed young girls in sexualised poses". These photographs did not result in criminal charges however, as they were not deemed to be indecent images by law.

Martine Snowdon, defending, told the court: "There are references from a number of people who speak well of him. He has read to me a short letter which he wanted to write to your honour, reinforcing his remorse and recognising the impact.

"He had difficult circumstances in his upbringing. A single mother brought him up. He had a relationship with his father, although he died a few years ago. He fell out of education. He is motivated to work in a positive way and hopes to be a better person. He has got support with that and a willingness to do that."

Ormond admitted two counts of sexual activity with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a navy blue Regatta fleece and with a crucifix on show around his neck, he was jailed for 38 months.

Sentencing, Judge David Swinnerton said: "You were 29 when you sexually abused [victim's name], who was 15 years of age, although that was not the sum total of her vulnerabilities. You have no previous convictions, and that is something that I will take into account in your favour.

"She ran away from home. She travelled to New Brighton, where, in what must have been the early hours of the morning, you came across her alone. I do not know how much time you spent with her, but you left her alone at 3.30 in the morning.

"It must have been obvious to you quite quickly that she was young, and she told you that she was 15. It must have been obvious to you that she was vulnerable from the fact that it was cold.

"She was somebody who needed your help. It should have been obvious to you that she had other difficulties. Yet, despite that, rather than taking her to a police station or calling the police, you invited her to come down an underpass onto the beach, where you sat with her.

"From that moment, you were preying on her vulnerability. You need to be aware of the impact that you have had. Her life, her self esteem, her self confidence, her ability to cope with the world and others, all of this has been compromised by what you did to her.

"You were under the influence of alcohol. You have sought help while in custody. I think you say that you had something like six cans before you committed these offences. I take into account that you show some remorse.

"You yourself come from a background which was, in some ways, difficult. I am satisfied that you do show an interest sexually in young girls."

Ormond was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. He will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.