St Helens man jailed following investigation into sexual offences

We are welcoming the sentencing of a St Helens man to 19 months in prison following an investigation into sexual offences.
 
Patrick O'Donnell, 22, pleaded guilty to the following offences before going on trial:
Threaten to share photograph or film of person in intimate state; and Perverting the course of justice.
 
O'Donnell was arrested in June 2024, and remanded into custody. He was sentenced on Friday 31 January.
 
Detective Constable Lauren Baker from our Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: "We are acutely aware of the long-lasting emotional harm and distress caused by such abhorrent offenders as O’Donnell. 
 
"O'Donnell may have thought that making such threats would not result in serious action being taken. O'Donnell, and others like him, need to realise how harmful this type of crime is, and we will do all we can to put such people before the courts.
 
"The victim has been supported by our specially trained officers and has shown strength and bravery throughout this process. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask that anyone who has been threatened in such a way should come forward, and be assured that we will treat all reports with sensitivity and compassion."
 
You can find out more about our commitment to ending violence against women and girls here: www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2024/september/our-commitment-to-keeping-women-and-girls-safe-in-merseyside
 
If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.
You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here: 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/
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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.
 
In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.