St Helens pair jailed for child sex offences

A man and a woman from St Helens have been jailed for a total of 21 years after being found guilty of child sex offences.

Scott Geraghty, 31, of News Lane, Rainford was jailed for 11 years and six months after being found guilty of 12 offences including engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and inciting a girl 13-15 to engage in sexual activity

Chloe Dixon, 26, of News Lane, Rainford, was jailed for nine years and six months after being found guilty of 10 offences including: Possessing indecent images of a child; Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child; and Engaging in sexual communication with a child.

The offences took place in 2020. Both were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Thursday 4 April.

Both were also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, and issued with a Restraining Order to further protect their victim.

DS Rebecca Igglesden said Geraghty and Dixon's crimes have caused "immeasurable pain":

She said: "I would like to praise the strength, patience and bravery of the victim, throughout this long and complex investigation. Although no outcome can take away the harm caused, we hope that the knowledge they have been jailed will at least provide some comfort and aid her process of recovery.

“Our specialist Unity Team is committed to investigating any reports of a sexual offence. We have detectives who are specially trained to deal with these serious crimes, and ensure that victims are supported throughout the process.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and let us know so we can investigate.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:

• NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.

• Childline – call 0800 1111

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: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences/how-to-report-rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/