Andrew Eyre 39

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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.