AJAY CORTEEN FROM LIVERPOOL SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT IN LIVERPOOL
In a case that has spanned several years, Ajay Corteen, a resident of Liverpool, was finally brought to justice for his disturbing actions involving harassment and sexual misconduct.The sequence of events began with an incident in March 2013, but it was only in recent times that the full extent of his behavior was uncovered and legally addressed.
According to court records, Corteen, now 33 years old, engaged in a pattern of persistent harassment against his victim through Facebook messages.
These messages, sent over a period of five years, included apologies for past behavior and attempts to rekindle a relationship.
In one such message, Corteen admitted, “I was drunk, you were stunning.
I took advantage of you, I’m sorry.” The victim, who chose not to report the initial rape to authorities at the time, was driven to complain after enduring continuous “fantasising” messages that made her feel uncomfortable and harassed.
Her decision to come forward was influenced by the ongoing nature of the messages, which she found increasingly distressing.
Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court last month, Corteen was convicted of the charges and sentenced today to five and a half years in prison.
The courtroom was filled with emotion as the victim and her parents sat in the public gallery, witnessing justice being served.
Judge Jonathan Foster, QC, delivered a stern judgment, stating, “I believe you are almost close to being a sexual predator.” He emphasized that Corteen’s drinking habits played a significant role in his misconduct, describing how alcohol contributed to his “garrulously bombard[ing]” her with messages.
The judge further explained that it was Corteen’s intoxication that led to the night of the assault, which he characterized as a clear example of how alcohol impaired his judgment.
Judge Foster elaborated on the nature of Corteen’s behavior, describing it as “fantasising” that amounted to harassment.
He revealed that Corteen had used photographs of the victim on his Facebook profile for sexual stimulation and had attempted to initiate a relationship with her, despite her clear discomfort.
The court heard that Corteen’s actions were not limited to online messages but also included a serious incident where he had sex with the victim while she was asleep on a sofa bed, with her boyfriend present in the same home.
The incident occurred at a residence where Corteen was living with his girlfriend, after a night of drinking and drug use.
The victim awoke to find Corteen engaged in sexual activity with her, initially mistaking him for her boyfriend.
Upon realizing the truth, she fled to her boyfriend’s bedroom and confided in her partner about what had transpired.
She did not report the incident immediately, fearing disbelief due to the intoxicated state of all involved.
It was only five years later that the victim began receiving Facebook messages from Corteen again.
These messages initially appeared harmless but gradually became more intrusive.
In the summer of 2016, Corteen asked to meet up and inquired whether he was the father of her child, Robert Dudley.
The victim eventually decided to report the rape to the police.
During police interviews, Corteen admitted to having sex with the woman but claimed it was consensual, asserting that she had been flirtatious.
He denied the rape, stating that he felt guilty for being unfaithful to his girlfriend but insisted that the sexual encounter was not non-consensual.
In a powerful impact statement read in court, the victim described how Corteen’s actions had “destroyed her soul, her being and her life.” Her mental health had suffered significantly, with her now experiencing anxiety and depression, and she found it difficult to leave her home.
The court was told that Corteen, who is a divorcee, had no previous convictions but was vulnerable due to his excessive drinking, which he used as a coping mechanism for personal issues.
It was also noted that he had been employed regularly until approximately 18 months prior to the trial.
Prosecutor Keith Sutton highlighted the profound impact of Corteen’s actions on the victim’s life, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll.
The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of the offenses and the need for accountability, with Corteen now facing a significant prison sentence for his conduct in Liverpool.
