NEIL ROSS FROM BIRKENHEAD AND HULL SEXUALLY ASSAULTS TEEN AT LIVERPOOL FESTIVAL

In August 2018, a family deeply affected by a traumatic incident has come forward to share their ordeal following a disturbing sexual assault involving a teenage girl at the Liverpool International Music Festival in 2017.

Nearly a year after the assault, the victim’s aunt expressed her anguish and relief that justice has finally been served. Neil Ross, aged 34, originally from Birkenhead but currently residing in Hull, was convicted of sexually assaulting a minor and possession of Class A drugs during a court session at Liverpool Crown Court on July 4.

Ross received a sentence of three months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for seven years and to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service as part of a sex offenders treatment program. While this sentencing has provided some sense of closure, the family’s pain and trauma continue to linger, especially considering the attack occurred on July 22, 2017.

The victim’s aunt shared her perspective, emphasizing the importance of awareness among young girls and their parents about the potential dangers present at large festivals. She stated, “We wanted to speak out because we want young girls and their parents to be aware of what could happen to them at festivals. My niece wasn’t specifically targeted by Ross; she could have been any young girl, but what happened that day has traumatised her forever.”

According to her account, a member of the crowd witnessed the assault and promptly alerted security personnel, who then contacted the police. Despite swift intervention, the emotional and psychological impact on the teenager has been devastating.

She explained, “My niece wasn’t supposed to be there that day. Her parents thought she was out with friends. When she called home and told us what had happened, my sister was devastated and blamed herself for not knowing her whereabouts. But we understand how teenagers behave.”

The aunt further described the profound changes in her niece’s mental health since the incident. “She now suffers from panic attacks and has to take taxis to school because she’s afraid of being alone on the streets or in crowded places. She is very emotional and traumatised by what happened.”

While the family had hoped that the sentencing would bring some closure, the fact that Ross received only a suspended sentence has left them worried about encountering him again. “Since the sentence, my niece has been anxious about seeing him around. It’s been a horrific year for all of us,” she added.

Finally, she urged festival-goers and the wider community to remain vigilant. “People attending festivals this year need to be aware that this kind of behaviour can happen. We must empower young girls to recognise the dangers and encourage older individuals in crowds to keep a watchful eye on suspicious conduct.”