Rape victim finally gets justice as 78-year-old man put behind bars
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Officers have today (26th July) welcomed the sentencing of 78-year-old James Knowles who sexually abused and raped a young girl.
We were first made aware of Knowles’ crimes in May 2018 when the victim bravely came forward and reported that several decades earlier, Knowles had raped her and sexually touched her on a number of occasions.
On 23rd July Knowles of Amber Way, West Derby was found guilty of Rape and Sexual Assault.
Today, he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where he received a 25 year prison sentence.
Detective Sergeant Kim Steen said: “No child should ever have to go through what this victim went through and no victim should ever feel ashamed or scared to come forward.
“What Knowles did was fundamentally wrong and has taken a young girls childhood away from her. She was incredibly brave to finally find the courage to speak to us and I am so thankful she did.
“I am also relieved that Knowles is finally where he belongs and I hope that his victim can take some sort of closure knowing he will never hurt her again.
“I would urge anyone else that has in the past or is currently suffering at the hands of an abuser, to please seek help – that doesn’t have to necessarily be the police, it could be a support agency, a teacher, a friend or family member; just please don’t suffer alone. People like Knowles scare their victims into silence, so we need to do everything we can to break that silence.
“Help and support will always be available to and we will work with you to bring offenders to justice, no matter when the incident took place.”
Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.