Locations
Straker Avenue, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65
Description
An Ellesmere Port man was jailed after a horrific two-year campaign of abuse against a seven-year-old girl.
The court heard how Stephen Thomas, of Straker Avenue, subjected the seven-year-old girl to abuse between 2016 and 2018.
When police were informed, officers arrested the 29-year-old and seized electronic devices.
After they were examined, it was revealed the devices contained indecent images of children.
Thomas was arrested in relation to this but denied the allegations of abuse to officers.
He pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual touching of a child under the age of 13 and two counts of producing indecent photographs of children, but was convicted after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
He was sentenced to eight and a half years and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register and a sexual harm prevention order, both indefinitely.
Detective Constable Joanna Barclay of Cheshire Police said afterwards: "This case has left the victim and her family distraught and I hope that the sentence will help bring some closure to them.
"Thomas preyed upon a young child for his own sexual gratification and refused to take responsibility for the crimes he committed, making the family have to relive the horrific experience again through a trial."
Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: "This is a harrowing case and my thoughts are with the victim and her family.
"I would like to commend the work of the team who worked tirelessly to ensure justice for the girl and her family.
"Support is available to victims of sexual abuse and I would urge anyone who has been subjected to this to please report it to police and seek support and advice."