A man from Tuebrook has been jailed for five years after assaulting a girl under the age of 13. John Thompson, 46, of Pennsylvania Road, was convicted of three offences of assault against a child under 13, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Arrest and Investigation
Thompson was arrested in March 2022 after the young victim came forward and reported the abuse. An investigation was launched and Thompson was brought to justice following his conviction in court.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Daniel McWhinnie said: “Thompson preyed upon his victim for his own sordid gratification, and I hope he now spends his time in jail reflecting on the impact of his actions. “His offending was quite simply despicable. We know from speaking to victims of sex offences that the emotional harm can last a lifetime. Thompson had no regard for the long-lasting impact his behaviour would have on the victim. “I want to pay tribute to the victim and her family, whose courage in coming forward and co-operating with the investigation has been humbling. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the team who investigated Thompson. Their determination to see justice served in this case has put a dangerous individual behind bars.”
Appeal and Support
DI McWhinnie added: “Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and stopping people like Thompson before they can commit such harm. Our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit is dedicated to preventing sexual offences and protecting people from the trauma and hurt sexual abuse can inflict. “If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, know of a child being abused or know of an adult involved in storing or sharing images of abuse 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.”
Backlash And Police Response
After posting about the conviction on social media, Liverpool police received backlash about the length of conviction with one commenter writing: “The pain and suffering this poor girl and her family is going through and that pain will last a lifetime! This is all you can do for them?! Clearly this does not matter as much as it really should this is her life this is horrific to go though and again….. This is absolutely disgusting! No wonder we don’t respect the authority!”
Liverpool Police responded: “the police don’t have a say in the punishment a criminal receives, it is a decision only the court can make. If you search for the Sentencing Council for England and Wales website you can trad more about how sentences are decided. Your MP would be the best person to write to if you feel the laws and sentencing guidelines need changing as that’s a matter for Parliament. Hope that clarifies. Take care. NL – Admin”
Help and Support Services
If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, help is available: NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail [email protected] 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.
