THE son of Merseyside's deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has been jailed for six years for sexually assaulting a woman as she slept on a sofa.

Andrew Michael Murphy, 34, of Birch Grove, Garswood, was sentenced to six years at Liverpool Crown Court after being convicted of one count of sexual assault following a trial.

Murphy is the son of deputy Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and Billinge and Seneley Green councillor Sue Murphy.

The court heard that father-of-five Murphy assaulted the woman, with whom he was described as being "infatuated" with, as she was sleeping on the sofa in his home.

Murphy's long-term partner was also in the home at the time of the incident.

Judge Steven Everett acknowledged the attack had not been planned but said that Murphy "took advantage of the fact she had been drinking".

At the sentencing, Jamie Baxter, prosecuting read out two victim personal statements which said how the woman had "suffered depression" and "attempted suicide". They also said how she had has been "a very nervous person" and "scared to go out".

In passing sentence, the judge said to Murphy, described as alcohol dependent and a user of cocaine: "My view of you as a character, hedonistic is the word I want to use. You have a selfish lifestyle where you do what you want, you come first. Understanding you had a long-term partner and five children, you still came first."

The court also heard Murphy tried to "smear" his victim's character after the attack.

Judge Everett added this was a "distressing case" and that "you didn't treat her like a human being, you treated her like a sex object for your own purposes".

The judge said the assault "had a huge affect" on his victim and caused "severe psychological harm", referring to the woman as a "true victim".

Defending, Peter Killen said Murphy had "mental health issues" and was a "working man" who supported his family.

Murphy will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

A spokesperson for the Police and Crime Commissioner's office said: “This is a private matter for Sue and her family and, as such, is not one the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will be commenting on.”