Locations
Audlem Avenue, Oxton, Prenton, Wirral, CH43
Description
A 51-year-old man from Wirral has been jailed for sex offences after indecent images and messages he sent to a teenage girl were found on his phone.
Karl Waterhouse of Audlem Avenue, Oxton was sentenced to 18 months at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 22 February) after pleading guilty to causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child and possessing a number of Category C indecent photographs of a child.
In December 2021 indecent photos of a teenage girl and messages of a sexual nature were found on Waterhouse’s phone dating back to December 2019.
Waterhouse was also issued a restraining order for five years and a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.
Detective Inspector Philip Ryan said: “For years Waterhouse groomed his victim by sending her messages and storing disturbing images on his personal phone.
“His deplorable behaviour caused great psychological harm to his victim and we welcome the sentences given out by the court.
“I hope this result gives his victim some sort of closure and allows them to move on with their lives knowing he cannot harm them or anyone else.
“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 reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward please speak to us as soon as you can. Our specially trained officers will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”