Man from Southport jailed after sexually assaulting vulnerable woman

A man from Southport has been jailed for sexual offences against a vulnerable woman.

Stephen Yates, 47, of Derby Road, in Southport, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Friday 9 January) after being found guilty of nine counts of offences related to sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder (Sexual Offences Act 2003).

The offences occurred in 2020 and Yates was charged in October 2024 following a complex investigation.

He was jailed for four years and nine months. He was also handed a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Chris Condliff said: “This was a shocking case involving the sexual assault of a vulnerable woman and it’s only right that Yates is now spending time behind bars.

“Yates subjected a her to traumatic ordeals and we are continuing to support her through this difficult process. I would like to thank her and her family for their patience and strength in assisting our investigations and share our hope that today's outcome at least provides some form of comfort moving forward.

“I hope this sentencing shows and reassures the public how seriously the courts take these offences and how Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting anyone from violence and sexual abuse.

“Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us. Merseyside Police has a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims.”

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: How to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences | Merseyside Police 

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.

Our Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign puts the voices of women and girls at the heart of our work to tackle VAWG. You can find out more about the campaign here: www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg.