A Runcorn man who raped a child in Ellesmere Port has been jailed for almost 20 years.
Christopher Aherne (47) of Perrin Avenue, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, where he was sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison. He had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and 13 counts of sexual activity with a child.
He also admitted supplying class A drugs, possession of indecent images and five counts of making indecent images.
The court was told how the abuse took place over a two-year period, beginning when the victim was just 14.
Aherne’s offending was only uncovered in 2021 after staff at a bowling alley reported witnessing a man acting inappropriately with a child.
Police attended, but Aherne had already left. After an investigation, they were able to identify him as the suspect. Following further enquires, officers also identified the child, who told police about what Aherne had subjected them to.
Aherne was subsequently arrested at his garage in Runcorn, where officers recovered his mobile phone. They found several inappropriate images along with messages to the victim, asking them to share photos of themselves.
He was subsequently charged with rape and multiple counts of sexual offences.
Detective constable Christopher Tyrer, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the bravery and courage they have shown throughout the investigation.
“While Aherne admitted his guilt, he has shown no remorse for his actions and the victim will never be able to forget what he did to them.
“However, I do hope that the significant sentence handed to him will provide them with some closure and help them to move forward with their lives.”
Aherne was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
DC Tyrer added: “Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been though and if anything can come from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.
“Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.
“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”
Sexual offences can be reported to Cheshire Constabularyor by calling 101.
