SENTENCING OF IAN ROBERT HARRIS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES

by
7th August 2015

Merseyside Police can confirm that a 46-year-old man was sentenced to four years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, 7 August, after being found guilty of a number of historic sexual offences.

Ian Robert Harris, 46, of Lonsdale Rd, Formby was found guilty on 15 sexual offences Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, 30 July.

All of the offences are historic and date back to the 1980s when Harris was a teenager. The four victims were boys at the time of the offences.

As well as being sentenced to four years in prison he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Claire McDonald, said: “Harris is starting a long prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of a number of offences carried out over a three year period in the early 1980s whilst he was living in the Formby area.

“Harris’ victims have shown an immense amount of bravery in coming forward and having to re-live the abuse they suffered at Harris’ hands. I hope his sentencing gives them some sense of closure and also provides wider reassurance that a dangerous and determined sex offender is now behind bars.

“Their adult lives have been deeply affected by these crimes and they have all found the process of going to court extremely traumatic.

“Specially trained officers and lawyers in Merseyside Police’s Unity team have been by their side throughout the investigation and trial to provide support and to ensure their evidence was presented to the court and to see justice being done.

“His victims have found the courage to finally speak out and report his crimes and I would like to pay tribute to their dignity and bravery. I’d also like to thank officers and our partners in the Crown Prosecution Service for their dedication and commitment throughout what has been a long and complex investigation.

“Time should never be a barrier to obtaining justice and Merseyside Police takes every report of sexual offences extremely seriously, whether or not they are recent, and has dedicated officers within the force’s Unity Team who are specially trained to both thoroughly investigate allegations and make sure that those reporting them are properly supported.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure and urge anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are properly and thoroughly investigated.”

People can call officers in the force’s specialist Unity team on 0151 777 1382.  Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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