A teenage boy who raped and sexually abused a vulnerable 13-year-old girl in parkland on the Wirral was today (Thursday, December 9) described by a judge as “a highly dangerous young man.”

The youth, Shaun Bennett, was 15 and drunk when he attacked the girl on two separate occasions and afterwards he threatened her on Instagram saying he would hurt her.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Bennett, now 18, has a previous conviction for abusing a young girl when he was aged 14.

The defendant sat with his arms crossed over his chest during the sentencing hearing and showed no emotion when he was sentenced to seven and a  half years detention.

The ruling by the judge, Recorder Ian Unsworth, QC, that he is a dangerous offender means he will have to serve five years before he can apply for parole.

He also imposed an extended licence for five years and therefor the entirety of the sentence will apply until just before Bennett’s 31st birthday.

Recorder Unsworth said that pre-sentence and psychological reports made “disturbing reading” and revealed that Bennett, formerly of Liscard, of Bishopgate Street, Wavertree, has a “misogynistic attitude towards women” and has little regard for the feelings of others or being impacted by their distress.”

 

He said that Bennett had “groomed and targeted” the girl making her believe he had some romantic interest in her but once they arrived at the parkland, he launched “a significant and carefully planned attack” away from potential witnesses.

 

Despite her protests he raped her and then sexually assaulted her. Six days later after the “horror” attack he had again been drinking vodka and met the girl, who had thought her friend would be there, and sexually assaulted her again “in a swift and brutal attack.”

 

Within days she told her school counsellor what had happened and the police became involved. The judge told Bennett, “Her bravery contrasted with your cowardice as you lied to the police and falsely suggested you had done nothing wrong.”

 

He maintained that lie for two and a half years before changing his pleas just days before his victim would have had to give evidence.  She was present in court today and after sentencing her attacker the judge praised her for bravery and courage.

 

“You are a remarkable young woman and I am sure you have a very bright future ahead of you.”

 

The judge also told her it was vital she understood that she had done nothing wrong and she had not let herself or her parents down.

 

The court had heard how the attacks left her suffering from depression and being scared of boys near her home or school in case they were associated with Bennett and might hurt her. Her sleep is still affected and she lives in fear of the day he may be released.

 

Recorder Unsworth told Bennett that he accepted he had suffered significant childhood trauma and had limited positive role models in his life.

 

But he pointed out that the pre-sentence author found that Bennett “displayed no remorse or victim empathy during interview and despite a lengthy time period to reflect, was only able to communicate the distress caused to himself.”

 

The author also said, “Shaun has expressed to me and fellow professionals that he feels criminality is an inevitable part of his future.”

 

Andrew McInnes, defending, said  that Bennett, formerly from, Liscard, Wallasey, had been involved with Wirral Youth Offending Service for seven years.

 

He had limited contact with his dad, a little with one set of grandparents, and no contact with his mum - none of whom were in court.

 

"He's grown up in a dysfunctional household with a lack of positive attachment, which has led to him existing in survival mode for much of his childhood.He is a deeply troubled young man said Mr McInnes.” 

 

Bennett, of Bishopgate Street, Wavertree, had pleaded guilty to rape and two sexual assaults.

 

Merseyside Police, alongside three other forces, are piloting a new service to report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences online – with the option to report anonymously.

 

The new online Rape and Sexual Assault reporting service is now live on the websites of Merseyside Police, British Transport Police, Dyfed Powys Police and Leicestershire Police.

 

It was created by the National Police Chief’s Council’s (NPCC) Digital Public Contact Programme (DPC) and launched on Tuesday 30 November. The pilot will run for six weeks.

 

The new service will enable people who do not require immediate police assistance to report the crime via their local force website. Traditionally people wishing to report sexual offences have been directed to call police forces, text 61016 in the case of British Transport Police, or dial 999 in an emergency.

 

Anyone who wishes to use this method to report will firstly be asked a series of questions to make sure reporting online is right for them. People can report something that's happened to them, or to someone else. All reports can be submitted anonymously, without giving any personal details. If reported anonymously, the police will only contact that person if there is believed to be an immediate threat to their life.

 

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Parry from Merseyside Police said:

“Taking those first steps to report a sexual offence can be daunting and there are many reasons why people find it hard to do, including the unwillingness to provide personal details. We understand this and have been looking at how we can encourage people to report, which can help us prevent further crimes and bring offenders to justice.

 

“This new service has been designed in consultation with more than 40 organisations (including Rape Crisis, End Violence Against Women and the Survivors Trust). If successful, it will become a permanent reporting feature for all forces to adopt.”

 

Detective Chief Inspector Parry added: “I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it. There is no time limit for reporting this type of crime and we take every report extremely seriously. We have specially trained officers who will speak to you and support you through any investigation or criminal proceedings and can help you get any further help you may need.

 

“I would reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that you will be treated with care, sensitivity and professionalism throughout the investigative and criminal justice process and beyond.”

 

Dr Michelle Carroll, Clinical Lead of SAFE Place, Merseyside, the Sexual Assault Referral centre (SARC) in Merseyside said, “We welcome any initiative that will aid individuals who have experienced sexual abuse to come forward and access the relevant help and support. 

 

"At SAFE Place Merseyside we strive to provide the highest standard of care both in terms of evidence gathering and addressing any healthcare needs.  We will endeavour to work closely with our partner agencies to ensure that people using this new online service receive a sensitive and appropriate response.”