Vauxhall paedophile jailed for 18 years

27 March 2019, 16:32 | Updated: 27 March 2019, 16:34

A man from Vauxhall has been jailed today at Liverpool Crown Court for 18 years for the sexual abuse of six children.

32 year old Gerard Kendrick of Barmouth Way, Vauxhall, pleaded guilty to the offences.

Kendrick was arrested on 17 August 2018 by detectives from Merseyside Police’s Abusive Images Unit in relation to the making/possession of indecent images of children.

After his devices were examined, a large number of indecent images of children were identified, and officers later identified six people who had been sexually abused by Kendrick.

He was further arrested on 24 October for sexual offences relating to the victims and subsequently charged.

He pleaded guilty to:

- Three counts of rape of a boy under 13
- Two counts of attempted rape of a girl under the age of 13
- Three counts of sexual assault of a boy under 13
- One counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13
- Two counts of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 13
- Four counts of making an indecent photograph of a child
- One count of distributing an indecent photograph of a child

He was jailed for 18 years with an extended six years on licence.

Following the sentencing hearing, Detective Sergeant Richie Shillito, who investigated the incident, said: “Gerard Kendrick subjected his six victims to vicious and violent sexual assaults for his own sexual gratification.

"I would like to praise the bravery and courage of the victims for the strength they have shown in speaking to us about the ordeal they were put through by Kendrick.

"Their support of our investigation has led to a dangerous sexual predator being sent to jail for a long period of time, and to other children being protected from him.

“The victims and their families were supported by Specially Trained Officers from Merseyside Polices Unity Team during the course of the investigation and court process.

“Merseyside Police will always listen to victims of sexual violence, whether it is recent or not, and whatever the circumstances. We will treat all victims with sensitivity, compassion and as individuals with individual needs.

"There is a great deal of support and advice out there and we can put measures in place to help victims from the point they make a report to the police right through to the court hearing.

“I would urge anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped to find it within themselves to tell someone what has happened to them so that they do not continue to suffer in silence.”

You can also contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously and for free, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

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.