Latest Offenders Merseyside

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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 received a suspended sentence.

Ryan Connolly, 41, of Huyton, was cleared last week of misconduct in a public office after selfies he took on duty at a teenager's death scene and images of vulnerable detainees at hospitals were found on his phone in 2020.

At Manchester Crown Court, he was sentenced for three counts of possessing extreme pornography, involving videos in his WhatsApp sent folder: two showing sexual acts with animals and one likely to cause serious injury.

Connolly pleaded guilty on the first day of trial in November 2021.

Recorder of Manchester Judge Nicholas Dean KC described one video, showing a man appearing to cause injury to himself, as "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."

Defense counsel Charlotte Rimmer noted character references for Connolly, now a self-employed health and safety auditor who has had another child since proceedings began.

The judge said a nearly five-year delay since the 2021 guilty plea made immediate imprisonment "inappropriate," though it would otherwise have been likely.

Connolly received a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, 80 hours of unpaid work, and 10 years on the sex offender notification register.

'Deplorable'

Last week, the jury was discharged after the judge ruled the prosecution's evidence could not prove misconduct.

Jurors heard Connolly, then a constable, took selfies—including one lying on grass—while guarding a cordon after 16-year-old Daniel Gee-Jamieson's 2018 killing in Belle Vale, Liverpool.

Over 50 photos, including images of vulnerable hospital detainees, force systems, and colleagues, were found in his WhatsApp sent folder upon his February 2020 arrest.

Merseyside Police dismissed Connolly in 2021, calling his behavior "deplorable." A misconduct hearing revealed other phone images were racist, homophobic, and mocked disabled people, with messages showing he socialized 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.”

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A 44-year-old man has been jailed for one year after sexually assaulting a young woman on a train in the Wirral in August last year.

Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, Graham Wragg, of Seaview Road, Liscard, was found guilty on Wednesday 4 February following a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Wragg was sentenced to one year in prison and further ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how Wragg sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman on a train from Liverpool Lime Street to New Brighton railway station at around 8.30pm on Friday 1 August 2025.

The young woman and her partner had boarded the train at Birkenhead North railway station and sat in the row of empty seats in front of Wragg.

He reached through the gap between the seat and the window to touch her before sexually assaulting her. The young woman and her partner stood up and moved seats to a different carriage.

The couple got off the service at Wallasey Bridge railway station and Wragg followed them. He then started shouting at them.

Once the couple made it home the incident was reported to BTP through the non-emergency 0800 40 50 40 number and following an investigation he was identified and arrested at his home address.

BTP Detective Sergeant Callum Lancaster said:

“This sentence reflects the courage of the young woman who came forward to report this incident. Wragg’s actions that day were completely unacceptable, and although he claimed he was simply reaching for a water bottle, we were able to prove otherwise and secure a conviction.

“I hope this outcome prompts him to reflect on his behaviour and serves as a reminder of how to conduct himself appropriately while travelling by train.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on a train or at a station, please report it by texting 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.”

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A Merseyside man has been jailed for 34 months for attempting to cause a female to engage in sexual activity after offering her a lift.

Paul Williams, 58, from Rosebery Avenue, Liscard appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 3 February 2026 to be sentenced after being found guilty following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. The jury returned the guilty verdict on 11 December.

The victim was walking along Willaston Road in Neston on the morning of 21 June 2025 when she stopped for a rest.

A car came to a stop a little further up the road and the driver, Williams shouted to her if she wanted a lift.

She got in the car and asked to be taken to an address further up the road. Williams drove past the address and took her to a secluded one track road.

He told her she had to pay, to which she told him she had cash. But he said no you need to pay. He then exposed himself and tried to block her from leaving the car.

She managed to escape and ran to a house to get help.

Police enquiries led to Williams being put at the scene at the time of the incident and he was arrested. His car was also seized.

DC Alex Price said:

“Williams is a dangerous predator who took the opportunity while conducting his job as a delivery driver to take advantage of a vulnerable woman walking on her own.

“The victim has been left traumatised by the danger she was in that morning alone in the car with Williams and is struggling to process this. I hope this conviction will help her in her recovery.”

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Simon Allen, one of three men convicted of murdering grandmother Jackie Rutter—who was shot on her doorstep in Moreton, Wirral, in October 2022—has been revealed as a convicted child sex offender, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Allen, James Byrne, and David Harrison were unanimously found guilty of murder at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, January 28. Barrie Glynn was convicted of manslaughter by a 10-2 majority. All four were also unanimously convicted of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, plus arson. The jury deliberated for 15 hours and 15 minutes; sentencing is set for Thursday.

Prosecutors alleged the shooting stemmed from a "robbery" or "taxing" after Rutter's sons, Peter and Steven, stole a mobile phone used by Byrne and Preston Connolly for their "JJ Line" drug-dealing operation. In opening statements, Nigel Power KC described it as a "targeted revenge attack in the heat of a dispute over drugs," not mistaken identity.

Allen, 55, of no fixed address, has prior firearm convictions from 2003 and 2020. He told the court he "just found guns extremely nice to look at."

In November 2023, Allen was jailed for 3.5 years for downloading 250 indecent images and videos of children, some of which he sent to four others, as reported by the Wirral Globe. This followed a 2015 conviction that placed him on the sex offenders' register for 10 years—a condition he breached by traveling to the Netherlands with Byrne and Connolly without notifying police. He also has Dutch convictions for extreme pornographic images and drug offenses.

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A Wirral man has been jailed for ten years after being found guilty of non-recent sex offences.

Craig Middleton, 53, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 21 January) after being convicted of two counts of rape.

The offences occurred in 2009 at two properties in Leeds against a woman aged in her 20s, but it formed part of a Merseyside Police investigation.

Detective Inspector Peter Rexwinkel said:

“I hope this sentencing reassures our communities that we take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they occurred.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those who commit serious sexual offences and time is no barrier to an investigation.

“I want to praise the victim in this case who had to undergo the added trauma of a trial after Middleton denied the offences.

“Thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he is now starting a lengthy prison sentence for his appalling offences.

“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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We can confirm a former officer has been jailed for two years in prison following a Merseyside Police investigation.

Former Detective Constable John Rigby appeared at Chester Crown Court today (Friday 16 January) after pleading guilty to paying for the sexual services of a boy aged 16/17 and three counts of causing a computer to perform a function to secure/enable unauthorised access to a program/data.

An accelerated Misconduct Hearing was held on Wednesday 17 December, which was chaired by Chief Constable Rob Carden, when he was formally dismissed.

It was found he had breached the standards of professional behaviour in terms of authority, respect and courtesy as well as discreditable conduct.

Rigby was arrested on Thursday 6 November and the following day he was charged and remanded and pleaded guilty on 7 November.

He appeared in Chester Crown Court today where he was sentenced to two years for paying for the sexual services of the boy and one year for the computer misuse offences, to be served concurrently. He was additionally served with a restraining order relating to the victim.

Detective Inspector Stephen Croasdale from the force Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation Team, who led the investigation, said:

“Merseyside Police carried out a swift and thorough investigation into the actions of former Det Con John Rigby as soon as the allegations came to light.

“We were able to gather enough evidence to prove his offending, leaving him no choice but to admit what he had done.

“It’s only right that he now spends time in prison, when I hope he reflects on his crimes and the impact it has caused.

“Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting young people from sexual abuse and stopping 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.

“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.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Sarbjit Kaur, head of Merseyside Police's professional standards department, added:

“Former Detective Constable John Rigby was rightly dismissed at an accelerated Misconduct Hearing due to the serious offences he admitted.

“The overwhelming majority of people who work for Merseyside Police join the force to support and help the public and they serve our communities with compassion and integrity on a daily basis.

“We will not allow individuals to damage the good name built up by the vast majority of our officers who do an exemplary job and serve our communities with compassion, integrity and professionalism.

“I would also like to reassure the public that as soon as he admitted the offences, his salary was stopped and he hasn’t received any payment from Merseyside Police since this date.

"We cannot afford to have officers and staff working for us who do not uphold the highest levels of professionalism, honesty and integrity and will always be robust in dealing with officers, or staff, whose conduct is unacceptable.

"It is vital that we as a police force maintain the public’s trust and confidence and ensure that officers and staff throughout the force realise the importance of maintaining standards and working with honesty and integrity.

"The public quite rightly have high expectations of police officers and Merseyside Police is committed to meeting those expectations by demanding high standards of professionalism, honesty and integrity.”

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A convicted rapist kicked a stranger in the head outside a bar, mistakenly believing the victim was also a sex offender.

Christopher Lawton threw Damon Birch out of Perry's Bar in St Helens and left him unconscious on the pavement after a vicious boot to the face.

The attack stemmed from a woman's claim inside the pub that Mr. Birch had raped her and served time for it, though prosecutors confirmed he had no such convictions. In contrast, Lawton was jailed for 12 years in 2004 for raping and indecently assaulting a mother and daughter, an ordeal a judge called "every woman's worst nightmare."

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday that Merseyside Police responded to the September 30 incident around 11:30 p.m., finding Mr. Birch on the ground with shoulder and head pain. Prosecutor Laura Atherton said CCTV showed Lawton, 45, of Mount Pleasant Avenue, pushing the victim out, then kicking him in the head before walking away. Mr. Birch was unconscious for up to four minutes.

Hospital scans revealed extensive bruising to his chest and abdomen, but no fractures. He recalled little, having gone out for a smoke after drinking with a friend.

In a victim statement read to the court, Mr. Birch said: "At the beginning, I was struggling to lay down due to the uncontrollable pain I was in. I'm frightened to do day to day things, even going to St Helens town centre. I can't even walk past or be around Perry's Bar. It really triggers me. If I was to see the male, I would run. I can't understand why this would happen to me. I'm constantly scared and anxious. I feel the assault has taken my independence away. I can't relax going out. I'm constantly looking behind me."

Lawton had prior youth convictions for assault and ABH. Defense counsel Isabella Denn-White said: "Obviously, the defendant has a serious set of convictions, but dating back to 2004. He was released in 2012 and has been out of trouble since. He has got positive factors in his life. His partner supports him in court. Importantly, and he expressed it again today, he is extremely remorseful. He recognises the impact on the victim. He tells me that he is his mum's carer. His mum is sadly passing away of cancer and has about three months to live. He cares for her daily. He has not worked since 2015 after a diagnosis of paranoid psychosis. He is now on medication and working through that with professionals and the support of his partner. It was an alcohol-related lapse in judgement. It is clearly an issue with alcohol here, and bad decision making."

Lawton admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Wearing a black Hugo Boss polo shirt, he blew a kiss to his girlfriend in the gallery before being led to the cells.

Judge Ian Harris sentenced him to 18 months' imprisonment and a 10-year restraining order, saying: "You pushed Mr Birch out of the bar. His recollection is going outside for a smoke. He then remembers nothing, apart from being struck on the floor. He was defenceless, and you kicked him forcefully to the head on the floor. The victim describes constant pain in his shoulder, headaches, having a massive bruise down his ribs. He describes the mental and emotional impact as rendering him frightened to do day to day things, even going to St Helens town centre. The commission of this offence while heavily intoxicated is a factor that increases the seriousness. The plain fact is that you kicked this man to the head, causing him to become senseless for a period of some minutes. Fortunately for you, there were no long term physical difficulties. In mitigation, there is your guilty plea. The pre-sentence report indicates that you suffer from anxiety and paranoid psychosis. Your mother, sadly, is unwell. This was a vicious attack on a defenceless individual. By your own admission, you were heavily intoxicated. You kicked a defenceless man to his head when he was on the floor, causing him to become unconscious. The only appropriate punishment, in my judgement, is immediate imprisonment for this type of offending."

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A man from Haydock who subjected his victim to years of sexual and physical abuse was jailed yesterday (Monday 12 January).

Alan Earwaker, aged 35, from Haydock has been jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour and rape offences.

As well as a prison sentence, Earwaker was also handed an indefinite restraining order against the victim and an indefinite notification requirement.

The victim reported several incidents to Merseyside Police. Earwaker was then arrested in June 2025 and charged with rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking, assault by beating, intentional strangulation, criminal damage, threats to kill, public order and common assault.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Greame Kehoe said:

“Earwaker abused, threatened, stalked and sexually assaulted his victim.

“Despite his horrific crimes she bravely reported these incidents to our officers and gave several lengthy statements that ensured his prison sentence.

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

“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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Edward Griffith-Davies, 42, photographed a young boy naked to gain entry to a depraved Telegram pedophile group, described by prosecutor Joshua Gorst as "effectively an organised criminal group engaging in the sexual abuse of children." The images showed the child holding a handwritten sign with the forum's name, and Griffith-Davies expressed a "desire to engage in further sexual activity" with the boy.

Over more than a decade since 2011, he joined five disturbing online forums—including four focused on child abuse and one on bestiality—while amassing over 300 category A indecent images of children (the most serious), 300 category B, and more than 500 category C. In a six-month span, he distributed 27 category A images and videos plus 10 category B ones. His collection also included six prohibited images of children and 24 extreme pornographic images involving animals.

Griffith-Davies, formerly of St Helens and now of Brytirion in Bedwas, South Wales, showed "regret and remorse," per his lawyer Isabelle Haddad, amid mental health issues and no prior convictions. He admitted causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of distributing indecent images, three of making them, possession of prohibited images, and possession of extreme pornographic images.

Appearing via video link to Liverpool Crown Court in a grey prison jumper, he wept during the hearing and was jailed for four years and four months. Judge Gary Woodhall noted: "The group was building a pool of individuals with access to children who were no doubt then to be targeted in some form. It seems that, very quickly, you were made an administrator or moderator."

The judge highlighted the "profound impact" on the victim, Griffith-Davies' "frank admissions of seeking to gain indecent images of children," and his "genuine regret and remorse," while acknowledging his "obvious sexual interest in children" but no "overt sexual assault." The defendant intended "to obtain sexual gratification."

Griffith-Davies received a 15-year restraining order barring contact with the victim or entry to St Helens, an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and lifelong sex offender registration.

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A man from St Helens who filmed himself as he raped a baby has been jailed.

Adrian Waring, 35, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 22 January) after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences, possession of cocaine and bestiality.

His offences were against a baby girl under the age of 12 months in May last year.

Waring was jailed for the following offences:

• Two counts of rape
• Six counts of making indecent photographs of a child
• Sexual assault
• Possession of extreme pornography
• Sexual activity with a living animal
• Possession of a controlled Class A drug (cocaine)

Waring was sentenced to a total of 22 years, eight months imprisonment. He will serve 14 years, eight months in prison and the remaining eight years on licence. He was also given an indefinite restraining order and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, and must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Saidi said:

“The cruelty and depravity Waring inflicted on his victim is impossible to comprehend.

“He put an innocent and defenceless baby through the most harrowing ordeal purely for his own depraved gratification.

“While no prison sentence will undo the harm and suffering he has caused, it is right that he will now spend many years behind bars for his heinous crimes and I hope he reflects on the damage he has done.

“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.”

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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.”