man sentenced for sex offences after absconding from trial

MAN SENTENCED FOR SEX OFFENCES AFTER ABSCONDING FROM TRIAL

Nicholas Ackroyd, aged 54, received a six-year prison sentence at Liverpool Crown Court after being convicted of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault following a trial.

He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.

The court was informed that the criminal act occurred in a flat located in Birkenhead in June 2023.

Prior to the incident, the victim had known Ackroyd for two years.

Ackroyd, who resides on Curlender Close in Bidston, also fled on the first day of his trial in April, resulting in a six-month delay in proceedings.

Detective Constable Claire McDonald, who led the investigation, stated: "Ackroyd took advantage of a vulnerable female and subjected her to a degrading serious sexual assault in her own home.

"He denied the offences stating that she had instigated the sexual contact and has put his victim through the trauma of having to relive the experience by way of a trial.

"However, a jury earlier this month convicted him after hearing the evidence.

"The judge also took into account fleeing on the first day of the trial when sentencing him.

"It is due to her bravery and courage that we have reached this outcome.

I hope Ackroyd now spends his time behind bars reflecting on his actions and the impact it has had on her."