Alexander Sherwood subjected his young victim to a string of sexual offences
Alexander Sherwood(Image: Merseyside Police)
A rapist who fled from Rotherham to Liverpool in an attempt to escape justice has been sentenced to almost two decades behind bars. Alexander Sherwood, of Stanley Road, Bootle, was found guilty by a jury after his victim bravely came forward and told of the string of sexual offences she had been subjected to.
The 52-year-old left the town when he realised he was wanted by South Yorkshire Police and was traced to Liverpool, where he was arrested.
Sherwood was subsequently charged with 12 sexual offences and pleaded not guilty to four charges of rape, four of assault by penetration, two counts of assault by touching, one charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and a further offence of causing a child to watch/look at an image of a sexual nature.
Sherwood was found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court in February following a four day trial. He was jailed for 19 years and was also handed an indefinite restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Sergeant Fiona Trussell said: “The bravery of the victim in this case must be commended, it takes a lot of courage to report something of this nature.
“No child should ever be a victim of sexual assault and rape and I hope that this result shows others survivors of abuse that when they come forward, they will be listened to and treated with respect through every step of the prosecution process.”
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