Search results for Warrington

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Ben Goodier, 32, of Fletcher Street, Latchford, has been sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court after sexually assaulting a woman and harassing her for nine years, and after sending threatening messages to his former landlord.

Between 2012 and 2013, while still a teenager, Goodier sent messages to a pregnant woman in which he suggested a “pregnancy fetish,” asking how her nipples felt and what giving birth would feel like. She blocked him after the messages made her uncomfortable.

In 2014 he sexually assaulted a woman at a party. He grabbed her in a corridor, pushed her and held her shoulders as she told him “no” and to “get off.” He grabbed her breasts and touched her genitals before another guest intervened. The woman later said the attack left her feeling “absolutely horrific” and that she “blamed herself” because she was “made to feel like it was her own fault.” Goodier told her he “didn’t mean to sexually assault her.” The assault was not reported at the time.

He then contacted her repeatedly over the next nine years from different social media accounts, including offers of money to touch her breasts, despite her making clear she did not want contact. In a victim impact statement she said she felt “unsafe” after he claimed to know where she lived. She has since moved and changed her routes around the town to avoid him.

Goodier was also convicted of harassing his former landlord after being evicted over £3,000 in rent arrears. On 17 September, while in Newton-le-Willows, he sent messages including: “You are going to be the reason I kill myself when I get evicted,” “I hope all of your kids and your blubber-framed wife die of an aggressive and uncurable cancer you sick disgusting f**k,” “I am going to turn up at your office and f**k you into oblivion with a claw hammer and I will s***k over your lifeless body,” and “I hate your pathetic face.”

The court heard he has mental health issues that “would not be helped in a custodial setting.” He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 16 months, with a nine-month treatment requirement, 20 rehabilitation activity days, and £454 in costs. A 10-year restraining order protects the woman he assaulted and harassed. He must sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

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A high-risk registered sex offender has been sentenced for a second time after admitting sexually assaulting a young girl over a period of years in Wigan.

Peter Hawke (06/12/1955) pleaded guilty to ten counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching and was sentenced to six years at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Hawke will be subject to a Notification of Requirement to Register with Police indefinitely, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict Hawke’s future contact with children, and a restraining order to protect the survivor and her immediate family.

The child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, disclosed the abuse, which took place on multiple occasions between 2021 and 2023, after Hawke had already been imprisoned for separate sexual offences against another girl.

Following the girl’s disclosure, specialist officers from Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation, working closely with partner agencies including the Sexual Offender Management Unit (SOMU), probation services and safeguarding professionals.

Through sensitive victim engagement, a video-recorded interview and extensive enquiries, officers gathered evidence showing that Hawke had repeatedly sexually assaulted the child.

Detectives progressed the investigation while Hawke was serving a five-year custodial sentence for similar offences.

Following extensive planning with partner agencies ahead of his release from HMP Risley, officers arrested Hawke at the prison gates on 25 June 2026. He was subsequently interviewed, charged and remanded back into custody the same day.

The investigation was led by Child Protection Detective Constable Sarah Gleave, working alongside colleagues from the Sexual Offender Management Unit (SOMU), probation services and safeguarding partners. Their coordinated approach secured the evidence required to bring Hawke before the courts while ensuring comprehensive safeguarding measures remained in place at every stage.

Due to his history of sexual offending against children, SOMU assessed Hawke as posing a very high risk of harm. Officers noted significant concerns regarding the ongoing risk he posed within the community, together with his lack of remorse and absence of empathy for those he harmed.

Detective Constable Gleave, of GMP's Safeguarding Unit, said:

"I’d like to thank the young girl at the centre of this, who showed immense courage in speaking about what had happened to her. Thanks to her bravery, the support of her family and the close collaboration between police, probation, SOMU and other safeguarding partners, we were able to build a strong evidential case and bring Hawke before the courts again.

"We carefully planned his arrest so that the moment he was released from prison he was taken straight back into custody to answer for these further offences.

“The evidence gathered during the investigation resulted in Hawke pleading guilty to all ten offences and enabled a swift charge and remand while continuing to safeguard those affected.

"We would ask everyone to be mindful of the real impact that rumours, speculation and social media comments can have. The young girl in this case is entitled to lifelong anonymity, and we urge people not to identify or speculate about any child connected to these offences.

"Victims and their families deserve privacy, dignity and the opportunity to move forward with their lives."

Description

A former Scout Leader from Warrington has been jailed after he was found guilty of a string of child sex charges.

Aaron Ashbrook was found guilty of eight offences - which include indecent assault on a boy under 14 and making indecent images of children - following a 4-day trial at Liverpool Crown Court which concluded on Friday 31 July.

The 59-year-old, who used to run a Scouts group in Warrington, returned to the court for sentencing today, Thursday 27 August, where he was jailed for 12 years.

The court heard how Ashbrook began abusing the victim in 1994 - when the victim was just 8 years old - and continued over a two-year period.

The victim bravely reported the abuse to Cheshire Police in May 2023, and an investigation was launched.

Officers arrested Ashbrook at his home on Windermere Avenue, Warrington.

Several electronic devices were seized at the address. Forensic examination of these devices revealed six indecent images and videos of children being sexually exploited, five of which were of category A (the most serious type).

Ashbrook was subsequently charged with the offences.

Sergeant Dani Byng said:

“What Ashbrook did was every parent’s worst nightmare.

“He was trusted to look after the victim, but instead of caring for him, he preyed on the victim’s vulnerability for his own perverse sexual gratification.

“The harm and distress Ashbrook’s actions have caused the victim is immeasurable, and it is a testament to the victim’s strength, bravery, and determination that we have been able bring Ashbrook to justice, 30 years since the offences occurred. I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide him with some closure and allow him to move forward.

“Sexual assault of children causes terrible distress to all involved, not least the victim themselves, and I urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault – no matter how long ago the incident took place – to come forward and report it.

“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”

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Sex offender jailed after failing to declare internet devices

A registered sex offender has been sent back to prison after failing to tell police he had internet-enabled devices, in breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Rafikul Ashrafi, 35, admitted three counts of breaching the order at Crewe Magistrates’ Court. He was jailed for 12 months.

The SHPO was imposed at Manchester Crown Court in August 2025 and is intended to restrict his ability to commit further sexual offences. Such orders allow specialist officers to monitor offenders through measures including home visits and checks on electronic devices.

Ashrafi committed the breaches on 30 July 2026 while living in Warrington. He failed to notify police that he possessed an iPhone, a Samsung mobile phone and a Lenovo Legion computer. Possession of those devices is lawful for the general public, but not declaring them was prohibited under the terms of his order.

Magistrates took his guilty plea into account but said the offences were so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified. They said the case was aggravated by his previous convictions for similar offences, and by the fact that he was subject to licence conditions and a court order at the time. The court also noted that the breaches were committed “so soon” after his previous release from custody.

Ashrafi, formerly of Bewsey Street, Warrington, and now of HMP Altcourse, was not ordered to pay court costs. He must pay a £187 victim surcharge. The SHPO remains in force.

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a woman and isolated her from her friends and family has been jailed for 12 years.

Carl Hughes, of Barry Street, Latchford, Warrington, was sentenced on Thursday 14 May after appearing at Chester Crown Court.

The 58-year-old had been found guilty of four counts of assault by penetration plus one count of controlling and coercive behaviour.

On top of the 12-year custodial sentence, Hughes must sign the Sex Offender Register and is also subject to a restraining order.

In June 2022, Cheshire Police received reports of sexual abuse committed by Hughes. The female victim, who was known to Hughes, stated he would frequently turn up at her address and sexually assault her, ignoring her pleas for him to stop.

The victim also stated that he displayed controlling behaviour, such as isolating her from friends and family, calling her names, putting her down, telling her what to wear and even attempted to stop her from running a charity race.

When Hughes was first arrested in June 2022, his mobile devices were seized, and these showed he had sent abusive messages aimed towards the victim and her family.

Hughes was charged with multiple offences and despite his denials, he was found guilty of assault by penetration and controlling and coercive behaviour in February 2026.

Detective Constable Cameron Mackay said:

“Hughes has quite rightly been handed a substantial custodial sentence which reflects the severity of his crimes.

“I would like to highlight the bravery of the victim in this case for speaking about what happened to her and hope the conclusion of this court process will provide her with some closure.

“Hughes thought he could treat the victim however he wanted, trying to control her and subject her to sexual abuse. He even then attempted to deny the offences and subjected her to the stress of a trial.

“No one should ever have to be treated this way and Hughes is now behind bars after he was found guilty.

“If anyone wishes to report any similar offences, please contact us by calling 101 or you can report information to us through our website. We take all reports seriously and investigate them thoroughly.”

Description

A sex offender who groomed a 12-year-old schoolgirl handed himself in to police six years later during a mental health crisis.

John Bailey, 38, of Annie Street in Orford, Warrington, lured the girl and her friends to his flat in February 2020 after buying them vapes, cigarettes and alcohol. He kissed her and touched her inappropriately.

The initial Cheshire Police investigation collapsed after the girl withdrew her complaint. It was reopened in March 2026 when Bailey phoned officers, admitted the offence and later made further disclosures in interview.

He told police he had tried to kiss the girl but she turned away, so he kissed her neck. He admitted twice attempting to touch her under her clothing; she pushed him away both times, but he overpowered her on the third attempt and touched her for two to three seconds. He denied any sexual interest in children.

Bailey, who has 21 previous convictions for 31 non-sexual offences, appeared via video link from HMP Altcourse at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor David Watson said the girl had met Bailey in a shop before he took the group back to his flat.

In mitigation, Jim Smith described the case as “unusual”, saying his “vulnerable” client had contacted police after the investigation had closed because of a “mental health or existential crisis”. Such honesty was rare, he added.

Judge Anil Murray told Bailey: “It seems to me that this case is less about using alcohol to dull the senses than about grooming. You invited a 12-year-old girl back to your flat, offering vapes and alcohol – that is grooming behaviour.”

He added: “You are clearly remorseful as you handed yourself in to the police and made admissions. Remorse is a significant mitigating factor here.”

However, the judge concluded: “Clearly, a sentence of imprisonment has to be imposed. On balance, I cannot suspend the sentence.”

Bailey was jailed for 20 months. He must sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

Description

A man who preyed on young children in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s has been jailed.

Kenneth Shaw admitted the crimes and was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday 1 May after appearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

Shaw, 64, of Northway, Orford, Warrington pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, two counts of gross indecency with a boy under the age of 14, one count of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14, and two counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.

In February 2024, one of the victims in this case made a report of non-recent sexual abuse which had been committed by Shaw when the victim was approximately 10 years old.

A further three victims also reported similar incidents which had happened to them, all when they were children. The offences were committed in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Shaw was questioned in relation to the offences and later charged.

Detective Inspector Jo Morgan said:

“Shaw committed some atrocious crimes against four young victims, the impact of which stayed with them throughout their childhoods and adult lives.

“I hope the conclusion of this court case will help to bring them closure over something which they have been carrying the weight of all these years.

“Shaw must have thought he had got away with what he had done, but as this case shows, it is never too late to report offences to us, as the victims did once they felt they were ready to.

“Please rest assured, you will be listened to, and we will investigate every report thoroughly. You can report through our website or by calling 101.”

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Sex offender back behind bars for second SHPO breach

A sex offender is back in prison after breaching his sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for a second time.

Darren Bennett, 47, of Town Hill, Warrington, was convicted at Crewe Magistrates’ Court of two breaches on 27 February.

He was caught in possession of a device capable of storing digital images and failed to provide police access for inspection. He also failed, without reasonable excuse, to notify Cheshire Police within three days that he had acquired a device capable of accessing the internet, providing its make, model and serial number.

Bennett initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea on the day of trial and admitted both offences. Magistrates said the case had crossed the custody threshold because of his “flagrant disregard for court orders”. They jailed him for six months immediately and ordered him to pay a £154 victim surcharge. His SHPO will continue.

The order was imposed last April when Bennett was given a 21-month suspended sentence for attempted sexual communications with a child and attempting to cause a child to engage in sexual activity.

Chester Crown Court heard he had spent more than two weeks chatting online with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl — in fact an adult decoy — telling her she was ‘sexy’, asking what size her breasts were, how he could please her and about her sexual history. He sent her photos of his penis and asked for naked images, admitting the communications were “for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification”.

Just days after being spared jail, Bennett breached the SHPO by hiding in the bathroom of a property where a child lived. He was jailed for 18 months in July. Police had visited him shortly afterwards to remind him of the order, but he returned to the address.

Description

A man who was found in possession of a number of indecent images of children has been jailed.

Lee Norman, of Orford Avenue, Warrington, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 5th March 2026, where he was sentenced to 10 years 8 months in prison.

The 47-year-old previously pleaded guilty to 3 counts of making an indecent image of a child, 1 count of possession of indecent images of children and one count of encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence contrary to section 25 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The court heard how Cheshire Constabulary received intelligence that a Kik account had uploaded indecent images of children to the platform.

Following enquiries, officers established that the account was linked to Norman’s address in Warrington.

On Tuesday 15 April 2025, officers from the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT) carried out a warrant at the address, where they seized a number of electronic devices. Norman was later arrested at his workplace.

He was released on bail to allow for the digital forensic examination of his devices, which were later found to contain 141 indecent images and videos of children, and 15 extreme images and videos of extreme pornography.

Norman continued to offend despite being on police bail. Officers were made aware by colleagues at the Northwest Regional Organised Crime Unit that Norman was engaging with one of their online decoys.

He believed the decoy had access to a 12-year-old girl and arranged to meet them at Burtonwood Service Station in Warrington so that he could sexually abuse the child.

Instead, he was greeted by plain clothed officers from the Cheshire online child abuse team and immediately arrested.

Norman was subsequently charged with multiple offences.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Rachel Owen said:

“Norman was intent on offending and his behaviour only escalated, even when he was on police bail.

“He is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual who is fixated on harming children. His sentence reflects the severity of his actions and the risk he poses to the public.

“We want to make it clear that online child abuse material is not a victimless crime. There are real, innocent children that are forced to endure obscene acts of violence, and anyone found to be engaging with this kind of content will face the full force of the law.”

In addition to his custodial sentence, Norman was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register. He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Description

A paedophile has been jailed again after being caught possessing indecent images of children.

Sam Whitacre, 37, formerly known as Sam Lewis from Grappenhall, was imprisoned in 2021 for two years after possessing nearly 25,000 child abuse images. He faced charges of distributing, three counts of making, and two counts of possessing indecent images, leading to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and notification requirements.

Now living on Mersey Road, Widnes, Whitacre appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to possessing 1,093 indecent images of children as young as six, three counts of making indecent images, breaching his SHPO, and failing to comply with sex offender register rules.

In May 2024, a sex offender manager visited Whitacre, who has a child, and searched his Samsung phone due to concerns about child abuse material. Authorities found 1,093 deleted indecent images, an undeclared cloud storage app (prohibited by his SHPO), and an undeclared bank card (breaching notification requirements).

The court noted Whitacre's one prior conviction for six offences, all related to indecent or prohibited child images.

Defence lawyer Jim Smith argued that Whitacre's prior custody prevented a rehabilitative order. He highlighted Whitacre's warehouse job, aware new partner, and past anxiety and depression, saying:

“I ask your honour to allow this defendant one last opportunity to get the necessary help he needs to become a coactive and cooperative useful member of society."

Recorder Alex Leach ruled:

“These offences are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified. You do not yet form a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and I am obliged to take into account your history of offending.”

Whitacre received a 12-month prison sentence, plus a new 10-year SHPO and notification requirements.

Description

A pervert who sent depraved videos of himself in the bath to a teenager has been jailed after the messages were intercepted by the girl's horrified mother.

Alexandru Negoescu, 35, of Warrington, messaged the 15-year-old on Instagram to solicit sexual images. The victim's mother spotted the request, pretended to be her daughter to gather evidence, and received two clips of Negoescu performing sex acts in the bath. He then asked for sexual images in return.

The mother reported him to police, leading to his arrest. Negoescu, who has one prior conviction for drink-driving in 2023, claimed he was "set up" and the conversation "fabricated," but was found guilty after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempting to cause a child to watch sexual activity.

Defending, Peter Killen said:

"The court knows that the defendant was a hard-working man who had supported his family. The rest of his life is quite different."

Judge Louise Brandon noted:

"At trial, you claimed that you had not engaged in the conversation and had been set up, and the conversation fabricated – an account the jury clearly rejected. You maintain that you did not commit this offence. I therefore cannot conclude that you have any insight or remorse for your behaviour or understanding of the impact your actions could have had."

Negoescu, of Hawleys Lane in Dallam, was jailed for 30 months, given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and ordered to sign the sex offender register for life.

Description

An 86-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for non-recent sexual offences against a child in Wells.

Michael Eckersley, now of Coldstream Close, Warrington, was jailed on Tuesday 4 November at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, after he was unanimously found guilty of 14 offences following his trial which ended on the 4 September.

He was sentenced to a nine-year custodial term for the lead offence of indecent assault (oral rape) against a child, and a further five years for seven other charges of indecent assault against a child. He will serve an additional two years in prison for six counts of indecency with a child.

Eckersley’s campaign of abuse spanned several years when he lived in Wells and started in the 1980’s.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, reported the offences to another force which ensured all necessary steps were taken in relation to victim care, before the case was handed to Avon and Somerset Police in 2021.

Eckersley was voluntary interviewed on the 3 December 2021. The investigation, which has been led by a specialist officer, was complex due to the passage of time which meant that witnesses were difficult to trace but were able to recollect information from the time of the offending clearly.

The court heard how Eckersley would ‘lavish’ his victim with gifts in the hope it would ‘buy his acceptance and silence’.

However, his victim came forward and bravely reported the offences against him and has revealed his ‘anger and heartbreak’ in a victim impact statement.

The statement, which was read in court on his behalf by prosecutor Virginia Cornwall, said:

“Eckersley gave me presents and gifts, however, this all came at a sickening price – sexual favours.

“For six years the abuse broke me, I had no-one to confide in, so I carried the burden silently.  I became withdrawn, occasionally self-harming, unable to understand the psychological damage that was being done to me.

“I am angry, heartbroken, and finally letting out tears that I have held inside for years.  As a child, I was happy and adventurous, despite a rough start.

“The last four years have brought it all back and I have had to go through it all over as it still feels like it happened yesterday.

“I am angry for the boy I was and for the life I could have had.”

DC Ben Train, officer in the case, said:

“The crimes committed by Michael Eckersley represent a complete betrayal of trust and an appalling abuse of power against a young and vulnerable victim. These actions are deeply disturbing and will rightly shock and distress the community.

“I want to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery and courage shown by the victim first and foremost but also the witnesses that came forward throughout this case. Coming forward to report such serious and traumatic offences, especially those that have had such a lasting impact over many years, demonstrates immense strength and resilience.

“The sentence handed down to Michael Eckersley will never do justice for the physical and emotional trauma he caused to the victim over the years of abuse, but it demonstrates the seriousness that the legal system takes in such matters, no matter how long ago they occurred.

“All reports of sexual abuse are treated with the utmost seriousness. Every victim will be listened to, supported, and believed. We are committed to ensuring that all survivors have access to specialist support services to support their individual needs.”

Description

A man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child in Warrington has been jailed.

Terry Blackmore appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 20 October, where he was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.

The 78-year-old of no fixed abode in the Warrington area, had previously pleaded guilty to taking indecent photographs (category B and C), possession of indecent photographs, four counts of assault of a girl under 13 by touching, and assault of a girl under 13 by touching under clothing.

The court heard how Blackmore repeatedly assaulted his victim over a 12-month period, starting when she was just 8 years old.

His offending included inappropriately touching the girl and taking indecent images of her.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Heidi Ryder said:

“I would like to commend the victim for the bravery and courage she has shown in coming forward and talking about what happened to her.

“Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been through, and I hope that the fact that Blackmore is now behind bars will provide her with some closure.”

In addition to his prison sentence Blackmore was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sigh the sex offenders register for life.

DC Ryder added:

“We treat all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

Description

Two members of staff at a care home in St Helens have been jailed following an investigation into reports a teenage resident was incited into sexual activity and given ketamine and cannabis.

Lindy Leah, 44 years, of Capesthorne Road, Warrington, was a key worker and assistant manager of a privately-run childrens care home on Lingmell Avenue, which has since closed.

Her phone was seized by officers investigating the supply of drugs, but after downloading information from the device detectives found thousands of messages exchanged with a teenage child, many of them sexualised and speaking about giving him and others drugs

An investigation by the Criminal and Child Sexual Exploitation Team (CCSET) at Merseyside Police followed during which further evidence was gathered and witnesses spoken to.

Both Leah and Morgan Quigley, a support worker at then home, aged 29 years, of Cooperage Close, Liverpool pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (ketamine). Leah additionally admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin.

Leah had denied the charge of abuse of a position of trust - causing/inciting sexual activity with a boy aged 13 to 17.

But following a trial, Leah was found guilty and on Monday 15 September appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where she was sentenced to 23 months. Quigley was given a 12-month community order, ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation days, and given a 12-month mental health treatment requirement on Tuesday 16 September.

Detective Inspector Tony Meakins, from the Criminal and Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said:

Our Criminal and Child Sexual Exploitation Team conducted an exhaustive investigation into the actions of both Leah and Quigley.

In the case of Leah, the evidence demonstrated a completely inappropriate relationship that she had instigated with a teenage boy at the care home, who she went on to meet away from the home.

Despite denying the allegations, Leah was found guilty of an utterly appalling course of conduct.

Her role at the home meant she should have been playing a leading role in ensuring the often vulnerable residents were protected and supported.

Instead, she chose to sexually exploit the victim and even alongside Quigley - ply him and other young people with drugs.

The impact on victims in cases such as this can be significant and long-lasting, and I hope this sentence provides some comfort to him and his family.

Det Insp Tony Meakins added

We are completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and bringing those who seek to do them harm to justice.

If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being exploited in any way, 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 SEXUAL offender has been jailed more than two decades after abusing young girls while he himself was a teenager.

Liverpool Crown Court head of the devastating impact that Andrew Eyre, of Burtonwood, has had on their lives.

The 39-year-old was sentenced on Friday after admitting multiple counts of indecent assault of a child and one of gross indecency with a child.

The offences occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s in the Wirral area, explained Cheryl Mottram, prosecuting.

Eyre sexually abused two girls of around primary school age when he was a teenage youth himself.

A report was made to Merseyside Police by one of the victims in 2023, and she disclosed what had happened to her more than two decades previously.

During the course of the police investigation, a second victim gave an account of how she too was sexually abused by Eyre.

The court heard that neither victim understood what he was doing and how wrong it was due to their ages at the time.

It was said that the defendant told one of the victims that what happened between them was ‘our secret’.

Eyre was arrested by police in February last year and answered ‘no comment’ to questions put to him by officers during his interview.

In an impact statement, the first victim said: “I was so young at the time that I had no real understanding of what was happening.

“It has had a devastating impact on my mental health. I have had flashbacks, crippling anxiety, and nightmares. The impact of this is lifelong, and I still live with the consequences every day.

“It continues to shape my life and, no matter how hard I try to heal, it is etched in the foundations of who I am. I do not think I will ever have a normal life.”

The second victim also detailed the significant impact her experience had on her, including causing her to have low self-esteem.

The court heard that Eyre has no previous convictions.

It was said that the court was bound by the maximum sentencing powers available to a judge at the time the offences were committed, and that the court must also consider his age at the time.

Moreover, the court heard that some of his offending behaviour could be considered rape if it occurred in the present day.

In mitigation, Jim Smith, defending, said: “The defendant is extremely sorry for his criminal behaviour.

“Anything he says can never negate or subdue the lifelong scars they have suffered, and he appreciates the impact on their lives.”

Mr Smith put forward that his client was remorseful through his guilty pleas and that he himself was a youth and immature at the time.

It was said that more than two decades have passed since the offending took place, in which he has not committed any further offences, and that character references describe him as being a ‘kind, thoughtful, hard-working, and intelligent individual’.

Eyre has since forged a ‘highly specialist’ career in IT development, which has included him undertaking charity work.

“The offences were committed at a time of delayed emotional and sexual development. He suffered from depression at the time, feeling alone and with little in the way of friends,” Mr Smith added.

Before sentencing, recorder Jeremy Lasker said: “I have read letters of support from people who know you, and since the offending, you have become an adult, and there has been no further offending since your teenage years.

“Both of the victim impact statements have been read in court, and I have no doubt that your offending has had a lasting effect on both of their lives.

“The impact of this is lifelong, and they continue to struggle with life. The ripple effect of what you did goes much further.

“Having considered all matters, I am of the opinion that as a young person, you would have received a custodial sentence

Eyre, of Arundell Close in Burtonwood, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison, of which he will serve half before being released on licence.

He must also sign the sex offender register for the rest of his life and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for the next five years.

In addition, the court approved indefinite restraining orders in respect of the two complainants.