Aria Peers 51

Description

A transgender pervert who raped and abused an 11-year-old schoolgirl has been jailed.

Aria Peers, 51, abused the child after bonding with her over Star Wars, with the sickening campaign of rape and assault leaving an "untold impact" upon her.

The offending came to light after the complainant confided in friends and teachers about the abuse.

Now, Peers has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of two counts of rape, attempted rape three charges of sexual assault and two offences of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity by a jury following a trial.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 51-year-old, of Camberley Drive in Halewood, began by touching the victim's breasts and private parts before encouraging her to use a sex toy on herself. She was then raped.

The court heard how Peers identified as male when the offences were committed in Wirral, but now identifies as female.

Anthony O'Donohoe, defending, told the court: "There is nothing I can say about the facts of the case. The defendant accepts that a significant, lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable in this case.

"The defendant has settled on the wing that she is on, and that is encouraging. That was a matter of some concern. The custodial experience for her in her particular circumstances is likely to be more difficult to navigate than in other, more usual, cases."

Sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: "I accept that, in this case, there is an element of grooming with the close bond that you developed and took advantage of.

"It became more sinister, with you grooming her so that you could start to abuse her. You took the opportunity to fulfil your own sexual desires. You were disbelieved by the jury and convicted. You still deny these matters today. She is a brave young woman who, by coming forward, has stood up to you. I hope that, with the support of her family, she will be able to move on with her life.

"Prior to this, you worked as a support worker for a number of years. You have suffered with periods of anxiety and depression and have struggled with your gender identity throughout your life.

"I appreciate that, as a transgender prisoner, there will be issues which you will have to navigate during the very long period of your sentence."

Pierpoint continued: "You targeted a young female child for your own sexual gratification.

"The impact on her is untold. This was offending behaviour on numerous occasions over a period of time."

Peers was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a lifelong restraining order and will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.