DANIEL BENNETT OF BIRKENHEAD SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR REPEATED RAPE OF EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In March 2012, Daniel Bennett, a 56-year-old man from Birkenhead, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the repeated rape of an eight-year-old girl. As Bennett was escorted to the cells, a woman in the public gallery shouted, "rot in hell." Bennett, residing on Balls Road, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court, where he had pleaded guilty to ten counts of rape committed over a two-month period.

The victim disclosed the abuse to her mother last October. Her mother then spoke with Bennett, who initially denied the allegations but subsequently confessed to the abuse. The young girl explained that she had not spoken out sooner because she was frightened, felt terrible about herself, and feared she would be blamed. When questioned by officers, Bennett admitted to the offenses.

Prosecutor Kim Egerton presented a victim impact statement from the child's mother, describing the profound damage inflicted on their family by Bennett's actions. Judge Stephen Clarke sentenced Bennett to 12 years and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life. He emphasized the gravity of the crimes, noting that the sentence could have been longer had it not been for Bennett's guilty plea.

Bennett's defense lawyer, Paul Wood, highlighted that Bennett had no prior convictions and demonstrated remorse through his guilty plea. Bennett, whose wife is in the process of divorcing him, had also written a letter expressing his understanding of the seriousness of his actions.