KRISTIAN SNOWDEN FROM WIRRAL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LIVERPOOL
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Kristian Snowden, a known sex offender from Wirral, was convicted of multiple serious crimes involving a young girl.The incidents came to light after Snowden, who had previously served time for sexual assault and possession of child abuse images, engaged in grooming and molesting a different young victim in secret.
The court heard that Snowden, residing on Bridgenorth Road in Pensby, Wirral, had a history of sexual offending.
In 2011, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl and collecting images of child sex abuse.
Following his release, he was subjected to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which strictly prohibited him from having any contact with children under the age of 16.
Despite these restrictions, Snowden began grooming a new victim, a young girl whose parents remained unaware of his sinister activities.
The case was brought to light when the girl confided in a safeguarding officer at her school, revealing that Snowden had touched her inappropriately in public.
The girl described how Snowden had touched her breasts and legs, although she clarified that there was no sexual intercourse involved.
Police examined her phone and uncovered a series of inappropriate WhatsApp messages and naked photographs sent by Snowden.
Prosecutor John Wyn Williams detailed that Snowden had told the girl he was aroused by her and even discussed sharing a bed with her.
The messages included references to Snowden having an erection and concerns about his self-control.
The girl also reported that Snowden had kissed her and touched her chest after exchanging sexualized messages.
Witnesses observed Snowden touching the girl inappropriately on one occasion, and CCTV footage captured him with the child at a certain location.
Later, Snowden returned to the scene and attempted to have the CCTV footage erased, indicating an effort to conceal his misconduct.
The police investigation revealed that Snowden had sent the girl a photo of his genitals and told her he became aroused when thinking about her.
He also sent a photo of his genitalia, inviting her to touch him whenever she wished, and there was evidence suggesting they had exchanged other sexual images.
During police interviews, Snowden claimed he believed the girl was 16 years old, but he refused to answer further questions.
The victim's statement painted a picture of increasing inappropriate communication, with the girl expressing feelings of fear and confusion.
She reported that the messages made her feel unsure and scared, and her mental health was affected, leading to difficulties in school and panic attacks.
Snowden’s actions were further aggravated by his attempt to hide or destroy evidence, including the CCTV footage.
He was charged with two counts of breaching his SOPO, three counts of sexual activity with a child, and five counts of sexual communication with a child.
Despite admitting to some charges, Snowden attempted to minimize his behavior, claiming he thought the girl was 16 and that she had initiated the contact.
Judge Anil Murray sentenced Snowden to three years and four months in prison, with an extended four-year license period.
The sentence requires Snowden to serve at least two-thirds of his custodial term, approximately two years and two months, before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, Snowden is mandated to register as a sex offender for life and adhere to the conditions of the SOPO indefinitely, ensuring ongoing supervision and restrictions to protect the public from further harm.
