Southport man jailed for raping a child and abusing four others
Callum Crofts has been jailed for 15 years for series of 'vile' offences
A Southport man has been jailed for 15 years and ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register for life after being convicted of raping a child and committing a series of sexual offences against four other children.
Callum Crofts, 22, of King Street, Southport, was found guilty of raping a child under the age of 16 following a two-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court in November 2024. He later pleaded guilty in March 2025 to 11 additional offences relating to child abuse.
Crofts was sentenced on Monday 30th June at Liverpool Crown Court for offences that took place between February 2023 and March 2024. These included:
Rape of a child under 16
Seven counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child
Three counts of engaging in sexual communications with a child
One count of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
One count of sending a photograph of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation
Three counts of making indecent photographs of a child (Category A, B and C)
‘No regard for the emotional impact’
Detective Constable Lindsey Harris, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to acknowledge the strength shown by the victims throughout these complex investigations. Crofts subjected his first victim to a two-week trial during which she had to relive the horrendous actions he subjected her to.
“Crofts showed no regard for the long-lasting emotional impact his vile actions will undoubtedly have on all his victims, acting only to satisfy his own depravity.
“I hope this sentencing shows that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.
“Crofts was found guilty by a unanimous verdict of this heinous crime. He will now spend a significant time in prison.
“Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.
“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.
“While no sentence will repair the trauma which was inflicted on his victims, I hope this sentencing will not only provide them with justice, but also encourage other victims to come forward and have the confidence in us as a police force to take reports seriously and ultimately ensure offenders are put before the courts.”
Support for victims
Merseyside Police has highlighted the range of support services available for survivors of sexual abuse, including those who do not wish to report incidents to the police.
Survivors can access help through the Safe Place Sexual Assault Referral Centre or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service. These services can offer confidential support, medical checks, and evidence storage, with or without police involvement.
Specialist services are available through Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside at 0151 558 1801, or the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside at 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
Victims can also report incidents through the Merseyside Police website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
The force’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) campaign, launched in September 2024, continues to place the voices of women and girls at the heart of its policing strategy. More information is available at www.merseyside.police.uk/vawg