Aria Peers, a transgender paedophile convicted of raping and abusing an 11-year-old schoolgirl, has been sentenced to prison.
Aria Peers, 51, perpetrated abuse against the youngster after establishing a connection through Star Wars, resulting in a horrific series of rapes and assaults that left a “untold impact” on her.
The misconduct was revealed after the complainant disclosed the abuse to friends and teachers.
Aria Peers has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after a jury found her guilty of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault, and two counts of inciting a child to participate in sexual behaviour.
Liverpool Crown Court was informed that 51-year-old Aria Peers, residing on Camberley Drive in Halewood, initially touched the victim’s breasts and genitalia before prompting her to utilise a sex toy on herself. She was subsequently assaulted.
The court was informed that Aria Peers identified as male at the time the offences occurred in Wirral, but currently identifies as female.
Anthony O’Donohoe, defending, told the court: “There is nothing I can say about the facts of the case. The defendant accepts that a significant, lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable in this case.
“The defendant has settled on the wing that she is on, and that is encouraging. That was a matter of some concern. The custodial experience for her in her particular circumstances is likely to be more difficult to navigate than in other, more usual, cases.”
Sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: “I accept that, in this case, there is an element of grooming with the close bond that you developed and took advantage of.
“It became more sinister, with you grooming her so that you could start to abuse her. You took the opportunity to fulfil your own sexual desires. You were disbelieved by the jury and convicted. You still deny these matters today. She is a brave young woman who, by coming forward, has stood up to you. I hope that, with the support of her family, she will be able to move on with her life.
“Prior to this, you worked as a support worker for a number of years. You have suffered with periods of anxiety and depression and have struggled with your gender identity throughout your life.
“I appreciate that, as a transgender prisoner, there will be issues which you will have to navigate during the very long period of your sentence.”
Pierpoint continued: “You targeted a young female child for your own sexual gratification.
“The impact on her is untold. This was offending behaviour on numerous occasions over a period of time.”
Aria Peers was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a lifelong restraining order and will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.
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