Bootle man jailed for child sex offences

Liam Brannan, 33, first targeted his victim when she was just 12

Author: Louisa KingPublished 11th Nov 2024

A man has been jailed for 17 years after being found guilty of multiple child sex offences in Bootle.

Liam Brannan, 33, of Antonio Street, Bootle, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Monday 11 November, after a jury found him guilty of the following offences:

  • Three counts of sexual assault of a child under the age of 13
  • Six counts of sexual assault
  • Two counts of rape

He has also been issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a Restraining Order and a lifetime requirement to sign the Sex Offender Register.

Brannan targeted his victim between 2019-2021, with the first offence occurring when she was 12 years old.

Brannan was arrested in March 2022 and following a complex investigation, he was charged in January 2024.

Detective Inspector Carla Cross said: “I want to acknowledge the bravery and courage of the victim for reporting the offences to us. I hope this sentencing shows that time is no barrier to reporting sexual offences and that we take every report extremely seriously.

“Brannan is clearly a predator who targeted his victim over a number of years. He also denied the offences and forced her to go through a trial and relive the trauma. I sincerely hope that today’s sentencing brings her some comfort now that justice has been done.”

Constable Tasmin Windle, who worked on the investigation, added: “Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“We have specialist officers who investigate such crimes, and provide full support to victims and their families.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, our specialist officers will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.” First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.