September 2007

Child sex man gets 13 years

A MAN who subjected a schoolgirl to a campaign of sexual abuse has been jailed for 13 years.

Terence Drinkwater, 45, was convicted by a Liverpool crown court jury of three charges of rape and six counts of indecent assault.

During his trial the court heard that Drinkwater regularly sexually abused his victim when she was between the ages of five and 11.

The court heard that his victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was described as a “tortured soul” as a result of Drinkwater’s crimes.

Henry Riding, prosecuting, told the court the offences were specimen charges, designed to reflect a course of conduct over six years.

Drinkwater, of Crofton Road, Birkenhead, had denied all the charges, but was unanimously found guilty.

Michael Wolff, defending, told the court Drinkwater has no previous convictions.

He said: “This defendant does not pose any risk of offending further.

“These convictions have totally devastated this defendant and it has devastated his family.”

Mr Wolff told the court Drinkwater’s family were concerned he may now attempt suicide.

Judge Nigel Gilmour, QC, sentenced Drinkwater to 13 years imprisonment for the rape offences and six years for the indecent assault charges, to be served concurrently.

The judge also ordered him to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and banned him from working with children.

Judge Gilmour told Drinkwater: “You assaulted your victim sexually a number of times over the years.

“You debauched her.

“I have no doubt the psychological effects are serious and likely to be for a long time.

“The psychological damage she must have suffered she will continue to suffer until fading memories provide some relief.”