A POWERFUL statement from the victim of a man who sexually abused a girl over several years was read to a court.
Aaron Ward, 26, had pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault of a girl and one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
He was also convicted after a trial of rape and assault by penetration.
His offending came to light in July last year after Ward, who had been attending therapy for his mental health, made admissions to police about sexually abusing the victim.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones said the defendant posed a “high risk of serious harm” to children as he handed the 26-year-old, who appeared in court over video link, a prison sentence.
A poignant victim personal statement was read to the court by prosecuting barrister, Martyn Walsh during Ward’s sentencing hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.
In this, the victim said that she sought counselling and stated that her ability to choose her first sexual experience was taken away.
“I was too young to say no, I will never get that back,” she said.
While she cannot remember all of the abuse, the victim added: “I worry that one day I will remember fully what happened”.
She said: “It is something I am always going to have to live with, because of what he has done to me.”
The statement added that the found the prospect of preparing for court “frightening” and that she hopes that after the court process, “I will be able to move on with my life”..
Defending Ward, who had no previous convictions, Carmel Wilde described it as “a very sad case all around”.
She added that in police interview, Ward had said “it is inexcusable what he did” and that there were “full admissions made in interview": “He was going to plead guilty but did not recall specifically everything he had done, he found it hard to distinguish between reality and dreams.
“I accept he was convicted after trial but he was not somebody who was playing the system."
Ms Wilde referenced her client’s “immaturity” and said he regrets what he has done.
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones said that, despite his defence’s submissions, as Ward had been convicted of the rape and assault by penetration counts after a trial, he could not reduce the sentence he passed for those offences.
The judge added the victim’s young age was an aggravating factor and her “victim personal statement does indicate how much she has been affected”.
He added she didn’t speak out because “you (Ward) made her think that you would harm yourself if she did”.
The judge noted, in mitigation, that the defendant had no previous convictions, and Ward’s mental health issues.
Judge Trevor-Jones added: “You present a high risk of causing serious harm to children”.
Taking the rape as the lead offence, judge Trevor-Jones imposed a 10-year jail sentence on Ward, with an extended 12-month licence period.
He passed concurrent sentences for the other offences, ranging from 12 months to eight years.
Following the sentencing, police commended the bravery of the victim.
Detective Constable Molly McKeown, who was in charge of the investigation, 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.”
DC 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.”
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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