DANIEL CLEVERLEY FROM HAMBROOK AND ASHINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN ST HELENS

In a recent development in a disturbing case, Daniel Cleverley, a 20-year-old man originally from Hambrook and now residing in Ashington, has been convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl in a public restroom located in West Green, St Helens. The incident, which occurred on September 1 of the previous year, has garnered significant attention due to the serious nature of the offense and the legal proceedings that followed.

During the court hearing, it was revealed that Cleverley, who works at a fairground, admitted to the act but argued that the girl had misrepresented her age. Despite her claiming to be 15 at the time, the law considers the act as statutory rape because of her actual age. The prosecution presented evidence that the girl was only 12 years old, which legally classifies the act as rape regardless of her consent.

Prosecutor Paul Dugdale explained that Cleverley believed the girl to be older, stating, “He thought she was 16 or 17 during police interviews.” Dugdale further added, “When told she was only 12, he became extremely upset because she appeared more mature than his current girlfriend, who is 19.” This detail underscores the disturbing nature of the case, highlighting the manipulative and predatory behavior involved.

Defense attorney Peter Woodall argued that the girl had a history of lying about her age to engage in sexual activities with other men. He stated, “She had multiple previous sexual partners and lied about her age to a subsequent man, claiming she was older than she actually was.” Woodall emphasized that Cleverley was deceived, asserting, “If he had known her true age, he would not have engaged in intercourse with her. He was tricked.”

Judge Richard Hetherington, presiding over the case, sentenced Cleverley to two and a half years in a young offenders’ institution. The judge emphasized that custody was necessary to protect other young girls from potential harm, reflecting the gravity of the offense and the need for societal protection.

In a related case from February 2010, Cleverley faced similar allegations involving a different girl. He was accused of raping a 12-year-old girl in public toilets on the Isle of Wight, with the incident again taking place at West Green, St Helens. During court proceedings, it was claimed that the girl had deceived Cleverley by giving a false age, leading him to believe she was significantly older, around 16 or 17. The defense argued that Cleverley was misled by the girl’s false claims.

Judge Peter Henry ordered further reports on Cleverley’s case and did not rule out the possibility of imprisonment. Cleverley was granted bail and scheduled to return to court for sentencing on March 10. The judge also mandated that Cleverley must register as a sex offender, underscoring the serious consequences of his actions and the ongoing legal process.