Search results for Merseyside

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A man has been jailed for 11 years after raping a woman in Wirral.

Stephen David Beattie, 39, of no fixed abode, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Monday 2 November) after being found guilty of rape, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour and witness intimidation.

Beattie committed the offences against a woman between 2020 and 2025.

In an extract from the Victim Personal Statement, the woman said:

“What happened to me has affected every part of my life and I still struggle with it every day. I find it very difficult to sleep. When I do fall asleep, I often have nightmares about Stephen. In those dreams he is chasing me and I can’t get away from him.

“Although I am dealing with the impact of everything that happened, I take some comfort in knowing that Stephen does not currently have the opportunity to control me, isolate me or take away my freedom again. Being free from that control has allowed me to begin rebuilding my life, but the effects of his actions remain with me every day.”

Detective Constable Patrick Shaw said:

“Beattie is a dangerous offender who committed serious offences against a woman over several years.

“It’s only right that he now faces a lengthy prison sentence and I sincerely hope this brings some comfort to the victim.

“If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, please be assured that we have specially trained officers to guide you through the process.”

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A man from Sefton has been jailed after being found guilty of committing sexual offences against a woman.

Following a trial last month, Bernard Sullivan, 51 years, was found guilty of two counts of assault by penetration, strangulation and three counts of rape at Liverpool Crown Court.

Yesterday (Monday 27 October), Sullivan, no fixed address but from Waterloo, was sentenced to 19 years in prison. He was also put on the Sexual Offenders Register for life and a restraining order is in place to not contact the victim indefinitely.

In a victim impact statement, the survivor detailed:

“Sullivan stripped away the strong, confident person I used to be. I struggled to go out alone suffered nightmares. I was constantly nervous and anxious and frightened in my own community.

“The effects of that continue to impact me, and I am still healing.

“Despite everything, I have worked hard to rebuild my life. His actions changed my life, affected my mental health, damaged my confidence, and altered how I live day-to-day. I believe women will be safer with him no longer in the community.”

Detective Constable Yvonne Worthington, who led the investigation, said:

“Throughout the investigation Sullivan showed no remorse for the abuse he carried out and denied the offences put to him. Thankfully the jury saw though his lies and found him guilty.

“We are committed to protecting victim-survivors, 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.”

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A man and woman have today, Friday 23 October, been jailed for a total of 13 and a half years after admitting sexual assaults involving children.

The charges follow the arrest of a suspected paedophile by officers from our dedicated Online Child Abuse Investigations Team (OCAIT) which uncovered evidence of cross border network offending with a contact called ‘A’.

Detectives were able to identify ‘A’ as 49-year-old Jay Shaw and carried out an emergency warrant on 1 July this year and arrested him.

Following a search of his house in Greater Manchester officers located a hidden phone which contained thousands of indecent images and evidence of sexual assaults against children.

There were also images of Shaw’s partner, 31-year-old Katie Vernon (pictured below), sexually assaulting a young boy on the phone and she was also arrested.

Shaw, of Plank Lane, Leigh, admitted four sexual assaults against a female child and one count of sexual assault against a male child.

He also pleaded guilty to making and possessing over 5000 indecent images of children, including just over 3000 Category A images showing the most serious abuse, together with the distribution of indecent images of children and possession of a paedophile manual, which provides instructions on how to abuse children.

Today at Liverpool Crown Court he was jailed for nine and a half years with a further five years on extended license.

His partner, Vernon, also of Plank Lane, Leigh, admitted one count of sexual assault on a male child.

She was sentenced to four and a half years in jail.

Both will be lifelong registered sex offenders and have received lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.

Detective Constable Danny Molyneux from OCAIT said:

“Merseyside Police remains committed to protecting children from such dangerous predators.

“It is shocking that Shaw and his partner chose to carry out such horrific acts and I know that no length of sentence can every change their despicable actions but I hope that it provides some comfort to the families of those affected.

"OCAIT will show zero tolerance to those in Merseyside who use the internet to commit, enable or view sexual abuse against children.

"We are committed to proactively targeting and arrest these individuals to put them before the courts and work with partners to safeguard victims and children.

“I would continue to urge anyone who is a victim of any form of sexual abuse to please report this to police, or through our partner agencies.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and will support victims with sensitivity and compassion.”

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Mathew Hargreaves, 48, from Halewood, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 23 October.

Hargreaves was previously arrested and charged with:

• Make Indecent Images of Children Cat A
• Make Indecent Images of Children Cat B
• Make Indecent Images of Children Cat C

He remained in custody on remand and in September pleaded guilty to a further offence of Taking an Indecent Category C Image of a Child.

Hargreaves was also issued with a 10-Year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must register on the Sex Offender Register for 10 years.

In excerpts from a Victim Personal Statement, one of the victims said:

“I saw the photo and it was a lot worse than I thought… it’s made me feel sick to think about. I feel like I am on edge now, like I always need to be alert.

“The actual image is disgusting and it makes me feel sick it was taken on his birthday, why has he taken that on his birthday? It had never crossed my mind it was taken on his birthday.

“How many people have seen it, why did he take it? My biggest fear out of them all is where he shared it, how many people - if he has - did he share it with? What was his intention with that image?”

Detective Sergeant Viktorija Clarehugh from our Online Child Abuse Investigations Team said:

“Despite his initial denials, we were able to prove that Hargreaves downloaded and was in possession of indecent images, including those in the most serious category. Concerningly, Hargreaves held a position of responsibility at a Liverpool school, but robust safeguarding measures ensured that he was immediately suspended from his duties following his arrest. 

“Hargreaves’ insistence that these images somehow came into his possession by accident have been shown to be the desperate lies of a man who realised too late the consequences of his abhorrent crimes. His personal and professional disgrace is complete and I hope that today’s outcome provides some comfort for all of those affected by Hargreaves’ crimes.

“Behind all indecent images is a victim of abuse. Possessing, taking or distributing such images perpetrates the exploitation of children, and we are determined to keep identifying and putting before the courts those responsible.”

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We can confirm that a man has been jailed for 23 years for non-recent sex offences.

Daniel Scott Ingram, 38, of Beckwith Street, in Birkenhead, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Monday 12 October) after being found guilty of 13 counts of rape and five counts of sexual assault. 

Ingram committed his offences against a girl between 2000 and 2014.

He was sentenced to 23 years in prison with a further seven years on extended licence. Ingram was also given a lifetime restraining order, an indefinite Sex Offender Notification order and ordered to pay a victim's surcharge and collection order.

See below for an extract from the woman’s Victim Personal Statement:

“It’s extremely difficult to put into words how this has all impacted me because 99% of the time I try to put it in a box in the back of my mind and pretend it wasn’t me. Denial has been my automatic response for so long because facing the reality was just too hard. I hoped that if I buried my thoughts deep enough, they’d go away but what you did to me is unfortunately never far away.

“You were a monster. You groomed me. You manipulated me. You exploited my trust and preyed on my innocence and vulnerability to make me into the perfect play thing that you could manipulate as you pleased. You stole my innocence from me.

“I’ve come to realise that there’s no escape from your own mind and I’m emotionally exhausted being forever on my guard, not being able to allow myself to enjoy things for fear that something might happen. Even those moments that are meant to fill you with joy, mine are mostly filled with fear. You have not only taken away my childhood, but you also continue to take away parts of my adult life.

“This is the first step of my healing because I have faced you and made people aware of what kind of monster you are.”

Detective Constable Robert Sandham said:

“Ingram is clearly a dangerous and calculated individual who committed the offences over a period of several years.

“He thought he could get away with it, deny what happened and force the victim to go through the ordeal of a trial. Thankfully, a jury saw through his lies and today he begins a lengthy prison sentence for his deprived actions. I sincerely hope that his sentencing can bring some comfort to the woman who is still living with the trauma to this day.

“With these types of investigations, our specialist team is here to support victims with sensitivity and compassion, every step of the way, from the initial report through to court proceedings. I would continue to urge anyone who is a victim of any form of sexual abuse to please report this to police, or through our partner agencies.

“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 Liverpool man has today, Thursday 8 October, been jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

Ryan Theaker, 30, a former Merseyside Police constable, was found guilty of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The victim was known to the former officer.

Today at Liverpool Crown Court Theaker was sentenced to 11 years in prison with a further five years on extended licence.

As a result of the investigation into the rape and sexual offences, which commenced in August 2024, Theaker’s phone was seized.

It was found that on 4 February 2021 and again on 9 March 2021, whilst serving as a Merseyside Police officer, he had circulated two videos in a WhatsApp group that were ableist in nature and unrelated to the rape and sexual assault investigation.

Theaker resigned from Merseyside Police the day before an accelerated misconduct hearing held in August 2025 when he was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour for Discreditable Conduct, Authority, Respect and Courtesy and Equality and Diversity in relation to the ableist WhatsApp messages.

The matter was found proven at the level of Gross Misconduct and it was determined he would have been dismissed if he had still been serving.

Theaker was also added to the College of Policing Barred List.

Following on from this criminal conviction for sexual offences Theaker would also have been dismissed for Gross Misconduct had he still been a serving police officer.

Detective Sergeant Matthew McGuinness said:

"I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the strength and resilience shown by Theaker's victim in coming forward, and the dignity and composure she has shown throughout the lengthy investigation and court case.

"Her victim personal statement shows the ongoing impact Theaker’s offending has had but I hope that today’s sentencing will go some way to helping her to move on with her life.

"I hope that it will also encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward knowing that they will be listened to and supported by specially trained officers.

"We know the public will rightly be shocked that these crimes have been committed by a now former police officer, but I want them to be reassured that Merseyside Police remains committed to protecting anyone who has been subjected to violence, sexual abuse or inappropriate behaviour and bringing their abusers to justice."

Assistant Chief Constable Karen Jaundrill said: "The behaviour for which Theaker has been convicted and sentenced has no place in society, and certainly not within policing.

"I want to be clear that his contemptible behaviour is in no way representative of the attitude or behaviour of officers and staff at Merseyside Police.

"Theaker’s former colleagues, and the force, have all been left shocked and disgusted by his actions and the long-term impact they have had on his victim.

"Having the support of the public is essential for us to police Merseyside effectively and we know the impact that cases such as this can have on public confidence.

"I want our communities to know that we are resolute in our commitment to removing officers and staff who do not adhere to the highest professional standards and behaviour.

"Theaker resigned from the force in 2025 after we were able to bring misconduct proceedings against him following an extensive internal investigation by our Professional Standards Department into offensive videos on his phone. If he had not resigned, he would have been immediately dismissed.

"Clearly we now know this man was not fit to be a police officer, and it is right that he is no longer part of the force.

"As part of our ongoing work we have Call It Out and the Crimestoppers Internal Integrity Line, an internal campaign to encourage colleagues to call out behaviour that does not align with our principles.

"It empowers officers and staff to challenge behaviour in the workplace, as well as providing an avenue to confidentially report behaviour into our Professional Standards Department."

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A 31-year-old man has been jailed after grooming and sexually assaulting a teenage girl.

Callum Jaxon, of no fixed abode but of the Merseyside area, appeared for sentencing at Caernarfon Crown Court today, Thursday 27 August, after previously admitting six offences.

They included two counts of sexual assault, engaging in sexual communication with a child, sending a message to arrange to engage in sexual activity with a child, meeting a girl following grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a girl.

The offences against the 15-year-old victim took place in Holyhead between March and April last year.

Jaxon met the girl after speaking to her online, and on occasions, would collect her from school in his car.

He regularly discussed having sex with her and used sexualised language with her, despite knowing her age and vulnerability.

On one occasion when they met, he began intensely kissing her chest without her consent. Despite attempting to push him away, he did it again, leaving a bruise on her skin. Moments later, he engaged in sexual activity with the victim without her consent.

Days later, he asked the victim to remove all messages between them off her phone, warning he may get into trouble if she did not.

Jaxon was jailed for six years and a lifetime restraining order was put in place to protect the victim.

He must also register as a sex offender for life and was also made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Leslie Ellis said:

“Jaxon groomed the victim and despite knowing her age and vulnerability, he continued to meet her to pursue her for his own sexual gratification.

“The victim was courageous in coming forward to give her account, which has resulted in Jaxon’s sentence today.

“We encourage all victims of sexual assault to come forward with the confidence that they will be heard and supported.

"Violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and remains a foremost priority for North Wales Police. We will continue to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice."

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A man from Prescot has been jailed for committing child sex offences which took place three years ago.

Finlay Rayner, 24 years, of Maple Grove, was sentenced on Wednesday 24 June to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15.

He has also been put on the Sexual Offenders Register indefinitely and a restraining order is in place to not contact the victim for 10 years.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that three years ago Rayner, who was 20 at the time, had messaged a 15-year-old girl on Snapchat initiating sexual intercourse and this developed into sexual activity.

In a victim impact statement she said: “Since the incident I struggle to be around men. This can be in any situation when men are in the room, I feel really panicky. This has also impacted my education as I have had to leave due to panic attacks during the day. I received counselling also for six months.

“Prior to this I would go out every day, at first I wouldn't go out at all, I go out more recently but nothing like I used to. I have a lot more stress in my life now, when I go out I feel unsafe and need to call someone when I am walking home.”

Officer in Charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Elena Owen said:

“I hope this sentence provides some comfort in knowing they did the right thing to report Rayner’s heinous crime to us.

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm, and we take all such reports extremely seriously.

“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 have a dedicated team of specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion and will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

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Paedophile Avoids Jail After Directing Police to 100,000+ Child Abuse Images

A 59-year-old paedophile who “recognised his own interest in children” has avoided an immediate prison sentence after voluntarily telling police where to find his vast collection of child abuse images.

Carl Mitchell, of Shakespeare Street, Southport, had downloaded more than 100,000 indecent images of children. Merseyside Police executed a search warrant at his home on 30 September last year and seized several devices, but initially missed his computer tower.

During interview, Mitchell denied viewing or sharing the images but directed officers to the unseized computer. A second search recovered the tower and three external hard drives containing the material.

Analysis revealed 11,046 Category A images (the most serious), including 358 videos and footage of a baby aged six to 12 months being sexually assaulted; 10,483 Category B images; 95,248 Category C images; and 24 extreme pornographic images.

Mitchell, who has 15 previous convictions for 28 offences including indecent assaults in 1986 and 1988 but none since 2002, admitted three counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing extreme pornography. A charge of distributing the images was discontinued.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, defence barrister Lloyd Morgan told the court:  
“Somewhat unusually, this is a defendant who has made full admissions about his sexual interest in children… He has struggled to come to grips with that interest. It shows that he is ashamed and appalled of his behaviour and has showed a desperation for help… Genuine remorse… is present in this case… There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

Sentencing, Judge Brian Cummings KC highlighted four aggravating features: the “sheer volume” of Category A material (over 11,000 images including 358 videos), the inclusion of a baby victim, the huge additional volumes of Category B and C images, and Mitchell’s previous convictions for indecent assault.

The judge noted the “pattern of entrenched distorted thinking in relation to children” identified in the pre-sentence report, but accepted the “unusual… level of frankness” shown by Mitchell in recognising his sexual interest in children, describing it as mitigation that gave “greater cause for hope” of successful rehabilitation.

Mitchell was handed a 16-month prison sentence suspended for two years, with a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 20 days, a programme requirement, and a 12-month mental health treatment requirement. He was also made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must sign the sex offenders’ register for the next decade.

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We have today, Monday 27 April, welcomed the sentencing of a Wirral man for rape.

Ross Fyles, 28, of The Woodlands, Tranmere, was found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of s47 assault occasioning actual bodily harm, possession of an imitation firearm and stalking with fear of violence following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Today he was jailed for a total of 16 years with an additional three years on extended licence.

Detective Constable Patrick Shaw said:

“Fyles denied the allegations but was found guilty by a jury following trial.

“His actions have had a considerable impact on his victim and it is right that he is now behind bars for a considerable amount of time as a result.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise the victim for her bravery and resilience throughout the investigation and court process.

“We would always encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to have the courage to come forward and speak to us.

“We have specially trained officers and will provide all the necessary support throughout the investigation, court process and beyond.”

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We have today, Tuesday 21 April, welcomed the sentencing of a Wirral man for child sex offences.

Colin Walker, 68, of Church Road in Tranmere was jailed for 10 years at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

The court was told Walker targeted the four complainants when they were aged as young as five and over the course of around 25 years.

He had previously admitted two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and causing a child to engage in sexual activity and was found guilty of a further 12 charges of sexual assault of a child under 13, four of assault by penetration and two of indecent assault by a jury.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with a further 12 months on extended licence.  He was also handed a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and indefinite restraining orders and will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Constable Graeme Beacall said:

“I would firstly like to pay tribute to Walker’s victims for their courage during the court proceedings.

“Walker was a predator who preyed on his victims over a number of years. It is right that as a result of his actions he will now spend a considerable period of time behind bars.

“I hope that knowing he has been brought to justice will allow them to move on with their lives.”

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A man has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour and attempted rape in Wirral.

Damien Lang, 41 years, of Heyes Drive in Leasowe but originally from Milton Keynes, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 6 March and was sentenced to 14 years in prison and eight years on extended licence. He was also issued with an an indefinite restraining order not to contact the victim.

Lang was charged in February last year and in January this year he was found guilty of controlling and coercive behaviour and attempted rape.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, she said:

“The abuse I suffered has left me traumatised in ways I still struggle to put into words.

“He was someone I trusted, someone who manipulated me into love by pretending to be someone he wasn’t.

“He controlled me, hurt me, threatened me and made me live in fear. Even now, long after it’s over I don’t feel safe and what he did changed my life forever.

“What’s worse is that he normalised everything bad he did to me and made me believe that it was part of a relationship – that it was somehow my fault and I was overreacting.

“Over time I stopped trusting me own instincts and I began to doubt myself and accept pain as normal – that kind of emotional manipulation stayed with me long after the relationship ended.

“This has affected every area of my life. I no longer trust people, especially men. I avoid relationships and feel disconnected with the world around me. The emotional damage is deep and ongoing.”

Detective Inspector Holly Chance said:

“Lang put his victim through the trauma of having to relive the experience by way of a trial, but thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he is now paying for his crimes.

“While no sentence will repair the damage he inflicted on his victim, I hope this conviction has secured some justice for her. I would like to praise the courage, strength and dignity shown by the victim throughout the case and would like to ask for anyone else suffering from similar to come forward.

“This result shows that violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.”

Det Insp Chance added:

“I would like to emphasise that there is plenty of help available to anyone who may be suffering domestic abuse of any kind and together with partner agencies, we will do all that we can to support you.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and we have specially trained officers who will listen to you and support you with sensitivity and compassion.

"Likewise, I would ask everyone to look out for your family members, friends or neighbours that may be suffering, as by contacting us you could be helping someone who is too afraid to help themselves. Everything you tell us is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated thoroughly.”

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A former Merseyside police officer who admitted possessing "highly disturbing" extreme pornography has been given a suspended sentence.

Ryan Connolly, 41, was cleared last week of misconduct in a public office after selfies he had taken while on duty at the scene of a teenager's death and pictures of vulnerable people detained at hospitals were found on his phone in 2020.

He was sentenced earlier at Manchester Crown Court for three offences of possessing extreme pornography, relating to videos found in the sent folder of his WhatsApp.

The court heard two of the videos showed sexual acts involving animals and the third showed an act likely to result in serious injury.

Connolly, of Huyton, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to the charges on the first day of a trial in November 2021.

Sentencing him, Recorder of Manchester Judge Nicholas Dean KC said one of the videos, which showed a man appearing to cause injury to himself, was "repugnant and worryingly so, in the sense it involves scenes of a masochistic or sadistic nature".

He added: "It is highly disturbing and an image that even described, let alone seen, leaves an indelible impression."

Charlotte Rimmer, defending, said a number of character references had been received for Connolly, who was working as a self-employed health and safety auditor and had had another child since the proceedings started.

The judge told Connolly it was likely he would have been given an immediate prison sentence if there had not been so long a delay.

He said: "You pleaded guilty to these matters in 2021, nearly five years ago now. It seems it would be inappropriate to send you immediately to prison."

Connolly was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

'Deplorable'

Last week, the jury in Connolly's trial was discharged when the judge ruled the prosecution's evidence could not amount to proving Connolly committed misconduct and it would not be legal for a jury to consider verdicts on the charges.

Jurors had heard Connolly, a constable with Merseyside Police, took selfies, including one lying on the grass, when he was deployed to guard a cordon after 16-year-old Daniel Gee-Jamieson was killed in Belle Vale, Liverpool, in 2018.

More than 50 photos, including pictures of vulnerable people detained at hospitals as well as images of force systems and Connolly's colleagues, were found in the sent folder of messaging app WhatsApp on his personal phone when he was arrested in February 2020, the court heard.

Connolly was formally dismissed in 2021 by Merseyside Police, who described his behaviour as "deplorable".

A misconduct hearing was told other images found on his phone were racist, homophobic and mocked disabled people, and messages showed he socialised with a known criminal.

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We are welcoming the sentencing of a former firefighter to 13 years imprisonment plus six years on extended for sexual offences against children.

Scott Cameron, 41, was initially arrested in February 2024.

Cameron was convicted after trial and has remained on remand until today, Friday 6 March 2026. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the following offences: 

• Six offences of Sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15
• Sexual communication with a child
• Two offences of Causing or Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity;
• Meeting a child following sexual grooming

He was additionally sentenced to one year in prison (to be served consecutively) for a further offence of Causing or Inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, in relation to a separate victim.

Cameron will also be required to register on the Sex Offender for life. He was classed as dangerous offender, has been barred from working with children, issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and Restraining Orders for both victims.

Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Tony Meakins from our Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation Team (CCSET) said:

"Cameron abused his position as a firefighter in order to sexually exploit a young girl, and he will now serve a considerable prison sentence, as well as ending his career in disgrace. He has no regard for the significant harm his crimes have caused, and continue to cause.

"Cameron repeatedly tried to blame those around him in attempts to cover his tracks. He was quite prepared to damage and bring under suspicion people close to him. From any perspective, Scott Cameron has shown himself to be an utterly contemptible man.

"The victims and their families have shown strength and courage throughout this process, which was made more traumatic by Cameron's denials and the consequent court case. His lies and attempts to blame his victims for his actions have caused further harm, and we hope that today's sentence at least gives some sense of justice being served, and allows them to continue the healing process.

"We have specially trained staff to help victims every step of the way, so I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to come forward. They will get the support and advice they need to help them come to terms with their ordeal, and if they so wish, put their abuser before the courts."

Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle said:

“We remain grateful to Merseyside Police for immediately bringing this matter our attention and the support they have provided to the victims and their families. The Service was made aware of Cameron’s arrest on 2nd February 2024, he was suspended from duty immediately and was dismissed on 23rd February 2024 following an investigation and discipline hearing.” 

CPS Mersey-Cheshire Senior Crown Prosecutor Georgiana Panteli said:

“Scott Cameron is a dangerous and manipulative paedophile.

“In October last year, a jury found him guilty of grooming and engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl.

“However, it became apparent that this was not the first time Scott Cameron had tried to groom an underage girl, and there is a clear pattern in his methods and behaviour.

“The Crown Prosecution Service was determined to make Cameron face up to the full extent of his offending and, when further allegations were made, he was charged with another offence of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity almost twenty years ago.

“He pleaded guilty to that offence at a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on 27 February 2026.

“Today (5 March 2026) he has been sentenced for all 11 offences in total, the ten offences he was convicted of in October and the additional charge that he pleaded guilty to.

“The CPS would like to thank the victims and witnesses for their help in bringing this successful prosecution and ensuring Cameron faces up to what he has done.”

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Today (Tuesday 10 February) a St Helens man has been jailed for 10 years for committing child sex offences.

Aaron Ward, 26 years, of Gamble Avenue, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, plus one year extended sentence.  He also received an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be subject to the Sex Offenders Register.

In July last year it was reported that Ward had committed historic child offences to a young girl from when he was 17-years-old and spanning over several years.

Following an investigation, Ward was charged with six sex offences to which he pleaded guilty to three counts of Assault by Touching and Cause/Incite a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity. However he was found guilty at trial for Rape of a Child and Assault by Penetration.

Officer in Charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Molly McKeown, said:

“Today’s sentencing follows a lengthy investigation to bring Ward before the courts so that he pays for his crimes.

“The victim showed immense courage despite her young age and was extremely brave to speak to police about this horrendous abuse.

“As part of the work of the Knowsley and St Helens Child Protection team this result has been brought today. Our sole focus is protecting young people and bringing offenders to justice. We have specialist dedicated officers who investigate these offences.”

Detective Constable McKeown added: “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.”