The Netherton Paedophile, Stephen Aspinwall, insidiously exploited and sexually raped a little girl for his own depraved enjoyment. Stephen Aspinwall, 43, was apprehended in January 2022 following the victim’s allegation of his nefarious conduct.
Stephen Aspinwall, residing in Marina Crescent, Netherton, refuted allegations of participating in sexual conduct in the presence of a minor and committing sexual assault against a child under the age of 13. He was convicted following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court on May 1.
He received a term of four and a half years in jail, was mandated to register as a sex offender, and was issued an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with three individuals.
Detective Inspector Graeme Kehoe of Merseyside Police stated: “Stephen Aspinwall’s criminal behaviour was reprehensible.” He cunningly used his victim for his own base pleasure.
“Stephen Aspinwall could have spared his victim the trauma of having to relive the abuse during the five-day trial but chose not to. I hope he now spends his time in jail reflecting on the profound impact of his actions.
“We know from speaking to victims of sex offences that the emotional harm can last a lifetime. Stephen Aspinwall 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 Stephen Aspinwall. Their determination to see justice served in this case has put a dangerous individual behind bars.”
Det Insp Kehoe added: “Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and stopping people like Stephen Aspinwall 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.”
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
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.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.