ANTHONY FERRIS FROM EVERTON SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Anthony Ferris, a man from Everton, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 13 years after being found guilty of sexually abusing a young girl over a period of several years. The disturbing case came to light after years of silence, revealing a pattern of exploitation and manipulation that Ferris carried out against a vulnerable child.

Ferris, aged 67 at the time of sentencing, had begun abusing the girl when she was just nine years old. His actions included rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, and indecency with a child. The court heard that Ferris’s behavior was not only predatory but also calculated, as he sought to groom his young victim by buying her cigarettes, clothing, and giving her money, knowing her difficult home circumstances. The girl’s home life was described as unhappy, which Ferris exploited to gain her trust and silence her.

The victim’s ordeal remained hidden for many years. It was only when her brother disclosed that he was being sexually abused by another man, and that the police would want to speak with her, that she finally confided in authorities about her own abuse. This revelation led to Ferris’s arrest at his residence on Hodder Road, Everton.

During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Ferris denied any wrongdoing. However, the evidence presented was compelling, and the jury unanimously convicted him of six separate offences, including rape and indecency with a child. Judge Denis Watson, QC, sentenced Ferris to 13 years in prison, emphasizing the strength of the victim’s testimony. The judge remarked that her evidence was “compelling,” and highlighted the significant impact the abuse had on her life.

The court also heard that Ferris’s partner at the time was aware of the abuse but failed to intervene. Instead, she reportedly told the girl that the abuse was her own fault, calling her a “slag” and suggesting she must like it. The partner, who is now suffering from dementia, had also physically abused her. Judge Watson condemned her complicity, noting that her attitude and actions contributed to the lasting trauma experienced by the victim.

Ferris’s crimes took place across three addresses in Walton and Everton over a span of five years. Despite knowing about the abuse, Ferris’s partner did nothing to stop it. The judge pointed out that Ferris’s behavior was a significant factor in the enduring psychological scars the girl bears. The court acknowledged that other individuals had also abused her, and she had suffered from a lack of love and support from her mother.

As part of his sentence, Ferris was ordered to serve a minimum of half his term before being eligible for parole. Additionally, he was placed on a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender. The judge also imposed an extended 12-month license period, during which Ferris will be closely monitored. The case has left a lasting impact on the community and highlights the importance of vigilance and intervention in protecting vulnerable children from abuse.