SOUTHPORT MAN JAILED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

A paedophile has been jailed for subjecting five children to horrific abuse and "acting only to satisfy his own depravity". Callum Crofts, of King Street, Southport, was found guilty of the rape of a child under 16 in February after a two-week trial in November last year. The 22-year-old then pleaded guilty in March to 11 more offences against children. He was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday (June 30) to a total of 15 years in prison following multiple sexual offences which took place from February 2023 to March 2024 against five victims: These included the 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 cause/incite a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of send a photograph of genitals to cause alarm/distress or humiliation and three counts of make indecent photographs of a child (cat A,B,C). Detective Constable Lindsey Harris 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."