A MAN who raped and sexually abused a child has been given a lengthy prison sentence.
Aaron Ward, 26, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court to be sentenced on Tuesday afternoon, February 10.
In July last year it was reported that Ward had committed historic child offences to a young girl 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 or incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
However, he was found guilty at trial for rape of a child and assault by penetration.
Ward, of Gamble Avenue, Windlehurst, 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.
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.”
Full court report to follow
If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:
NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.
Childline – call 0800 1111
If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.
You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities.
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
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