A man Runcorn Paedophile Christopher Aherne guilty of sexually abusing and raping a child in Ellesmere Port has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison.
Christopher Aherne was sentenced to 19 years and six months in jail at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, 9 January.
The 47-year-old, Christopher Aherne, from Runcorn had already admitted guilt to two charges of rape and 13 charges of sexual intercourse with a minor.
He also confessed to distributing Class A drugs, possessing indecent photos, and five charges of producing indecent images.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the abuse occurred over a two-year span, commencing when the victim was merely 14 years old.
Christopher Aherne’s misconduct was ultimately revealed in December 2021 when employees at a bowling alley reported observing a man behaving inappropriately with a child.
The police arrived, but Christopher Aherne had already departed the location. Subsequent enquiries enabled them to identify him as the suspect.
Subsequent enquiries led detectives to identify the youngster, who disclosed to the authorities the abuses inflicted by Christopher Aherne.
Christopher Aherne was later apprehended in his garage in Runcorn, where law enforcement officials retrieved his cell phone. During the investigation, the cops uncovered numerous indecent images and communications directed at the victim, soliciting them to provide personal photographs.
He was later charged with rape and several counts of sexual crimes.
After the sentencing, Detective Constable Christopher Tyrer, who spearheaded the investigation, stated, “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the bravery and courage they have demonstrated throughout the investigation.”
Christopher Aherne acknowledged his culpability but has exhibited no contrition for his conduct, and the victim will forever be unable to erase the memory of what he inflicted upon them.
“Nonetheless, I anticipate that the substantial sentence imposed upon him will offer them a degree of closure and facilitate their progression in life.”
Christopher Aherne was mandated to register as a sex offender for life, in addition to the jail sentence.
DC Tyrer stated, “No individual should endure what the victim has experienced, and if anything can arise from this case, I hope it motivates other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.”
Cheshire Constabulary regards allegations of sexual offences with utmost seriousness, ensuring that each claim is meticulously examined, prioritising the wishes and needs of the victim.
Victims should never experience shame in discussing their experiences. Victims will obtain necessary assistance from our specialised officers and collaborating support agencies, and all victims of sexual assaults are entitled to anonymity.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.