'Predatory' Liverpool paedophile who raped child jailed

A paedophile who raped a young child during an "utterly appalling" period of abuse lasting years has been jailed.

Michael Smith was convicted of 20 child sexual offences by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court.

The 64-year-old, of Mackets Lane in the Halewood area of the city, was handed an extended sentence of 22 years in prison plus an additional year on licence.

Smith's victim reported his abuse in 2020, the court heard.

Merseyside Police said the offences spanned "several years".

The jury convicted Smith of two counts of raping a child under 13, nine counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, eight counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Smith was also handed a restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Det Con Becky Robinson, of Merseyside Police, said: "The predatory behaviour displayed by Smith is utterly appalling and he will now spend years in prison for his depraved actions.

"His victim has showed immense courage and bravery to report the deplorable offences that Smith committed."

DC Robinson urged anyone who had been the victim of sexual abuse to report it and said victims would be supported by specially trained officers.

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