Bootle man, 48, sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexual assault

We have today, Thursday 6 May, welcome the sentencing of a 48-year-old Sefton man for sexual assault.

Lee Monaghan, of Stanley Road, Bootle, carried out the assault on a woman in the early hours of Thursday 26 October 2017 at his then home address in Smollett Street in Bootle.

He initially denied the offence before pleading guilty on 22 March this year ahead of a trial.

He was sentenced today to 18 months in prison when he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years, and given a four-year restraining order.

Detective Constable Julia Jennings said: “Monaghan consistently lied to police about what took place in his home in the early hours of that morning and has forced his victim to relive her ordeal by denying that he sexually assaulted her.

“I would like to pay credit to her as she has shown immense courage and strength throughout the whole of this investigation.

“Unfortunately because of the Covid pandemic this case has been repeatedly delayed so I am pleased that Monaghan has now been put before the courts and sentenced for his crime and I hope it now affords his victim the chance to get on with her life.

“I also hope that this will encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us.

“We take issues such as this extremely seriously and specialist officers are on hand to offer support and guidance through the courts process.”

Anyone with information or wants to report sexual offence allegation is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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.