A man who subjected a child to repeated sexual abuse and then fled to avoid arrest has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison
Alexander Sherwood, of Liverpool, was found guilty by a jury after his victim bravely came forward and disclosed the string of despicable actions he had subjected her to.
After making an initial disclosure to officers in our Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) team, the victim began to feel comfortable to report further incidents of sexual abuse – leading to the decision to arrest Sherwood.
However, the 52-year-old attempted to avoid arrest by making his way from Rotherham to Liverpool but was promptly arrested and, following a thorough investigation, was charged.
Refusing to admit his guilt, Sherwood, of Stanley Road, Liverpool, denied the offences but was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court in February following a four day trial.
He was sentenced on Monday (19 May) to 19 years in prison for four counts of rape, four counts of assault by penetration, two counts of assault by touching, one charge of engaging in sexual activity in presence of a child and one count of causing a child to watch / look at an image of a sexual nature.
Sherwood was also handed an indefinite restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Sergeant Fiona Trussell said: “The bravery of the victim in this case must be commended, it takes a lot of courage to report something of this nature.
“No child should ever be a victim of sexual assault and rape and I hope that this result shows others survivors of abuse that when they come forward, they will be listened to and treated with respect through every step of the prosecution process.”
