St Helens man jailed for 10 years for child sex offences
A St Helens man has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted of a series of child sex offences.
Last updated 10th Feb 2026
Aaron Ward, 26, of Gamble Avenue, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 10 February, where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison with a further one-year extended sentence.
He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register.
The court heard that Ward committed historic sexual offences against a young girl over a number of years, beginning when he was 17 years old. The offences were reported to police in July last year.
Following a police investigation, Ward was charged with six sexual offences. He pleaded guilty to three counts, including assault by touching and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
He denied other charges but was found guilty following a trial of rape of a child and assault by penetration.
Detective Constable Molly McKeown, the officer in charge of the investigation, said the sentencing marked the conclusion of a lengthy investigation to bring Ward to justice.
She praised the victim for her courage in coming forward, describing her as “extremely brave” for speaking to police about the abuse she suffered at a young age.
DC McKeown said the case was handled by the Knowsley and St Helens Child Protection Team, whose priority is safeguarding children and bringing offenders to account.
She added that Merseyside Police remains fully committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and encouraged anyone who has experienced abuse, or who knows of a child at risk, to report it.
Police said specially trained officers are available to support victims with sensitivity and compassion.
Support is also available through a number of specialist services, including the NSPCC and Childline, as well as local rape and sexual abuse support organisations across Merseyside and Cheshire.