JOHN RILEY FROM CROXTETH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LIVERPOOL AND CUMBRIA

In April 2023, a disturbing case involving John Riley, a 34-year-old man from Croxteth, unfolded in the courts, revealing a pattern of heinous sexual offences against young girls. Riley, who is currently held at HMP Liverpool, appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court to face multiple charges related to his predatory behavior online. His actions spanned across different regions, including Cumbria and South Yorkshire, highlighting the extent of his offending.

The case was initiated when Riley’s online activities came under investigation following reports from concerned parents and law enforcement agencies. Prosecutor Arthur Gibson outlined that in 2019, Riley targeted an 11-year-old girl in Cumbria. The girl’s mother discovered an unfamiliar contact named “JJ Smith” on her daughter’s Facebook and WhatsApp accounts. Upon questioning, her daughter confirmed that Riley had added her on Facebook Messenger, claiming to be a teenager of similar age. Riley’s online presence was characterized by his apparent intent to seek out young girls, as evidenced by his continued communication with the victim.

During their conversations, Riley shared explicit images, including a photograph of his genitals, and solicited sexual videos and images from the girl. The victim was coerced into sending such material under threats, with Riley allegedly warning her that he knew her whereabouts and had the power to harm her. The girl’s mother promptly contacted the police, who traced Riley’s residence to Croxteth, Liverpool. Law enforcement officials executed a warrant at his home, leading to his arrest and subsequent interview.

During questioning, Riley admitted to using the alias “JJ Smith” but expressed shock upon learning the victim’s age. He attempted to justify his actions by citing his alcohol and cocaine use, claiming these substances impaired his judgment. He denied sending the explicit images, asserting that no indecent material would be found on his phone. However, forensic analysis revealed a disturbing collection of digital evidence: 65 Category A images, 36 Category A videos—including footage of the first victim—112 Category B images and three videos, along with 140 Category C images and two videos. Some of these images were confirmed to have been sourced from Facebook Messenger.

Further investigations uncovered additional offences involving a second young girl. In 2021, a mother from South Yorkshire discovered her 10-year-old daughter had been in contact with Riley through Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. Despite the girl’s clear statement that she was only 10, Riley had provided his phone number, sent a graphic image of his genitals, and requested the girl to send indecent images of herself. The messages exchanged were highly sexualized, with Riley asking if she would “get naked” if they met. The girl’s phone contained deleted images of her in explicit poses, and her online searches included the meanings of various sexual acts.

The police confirmed that the phone number linked to Riley, leading to his arrest in March 2023. During his interview, Riley claimed that his substance abuse issues—specifically alcohol and cocaine—had blurred his memory. He initially denied any contact with the 10-year-old girl but later expressed hope that he had not been involved. Despite his denials, authorities found more indecent images on his device, including some of children from Kent and Wales. These images ranged across all severity categories, with one extreme pornographic image also recovered. The parents of the children in these images chose not to pursue criminal charges.

The impact on the victims was profound. A victim impact statement from the mother of the first girl detailed her daughter’s subsequent self-harming behaviors and decline in school performance. She described her own feelings of helplessness and the emotional toll the offences had taken on her family. Despite the trauma, she expressed relief that Riley had pleaded guilty, sparing her family the ordeal of a trial.

Riley faced multiple charges, including engaging in sexual communication with a child, inciting sexual activity, making indecent images, and possessing indecent and extreme pornographic material. His guilty pleas covered offences related to both victims, with a total of 18 counts. The court heard that Riley had no prior convictions but posed a significant risk to children.

Judge Neil Flewitt KC addressed Riley’s disturbing pattern of behavior, stating, “This man has got an unhealthy interest in young girls, and that cannot derive from drink and drugs, that has to come from him.” The judge emphasized the lasting impact of Riley’s actions on his victims and condemned his continued offending despite police intervention. Riley’s history of controlling and manipulative behavior was also highlighted, with the court noting his high risk to young girls.

In sentencing, Riley was handed a term of 12 and a half years in prison. The court ordered the forfeiture of his seized mobile phone and imposed lifelong notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order. These measures aim to monitor and restrict Riley’s activities to prevent further harm. The case underscores the ongoing threat posed by individuals like Riley, who exploit digital platforms to prey on vulnerable children, and highlights the importance of vigilance and swift law enforcement action in protecting young victims.