TERENCE DRINKWATER SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS IN PRISON IN LIVERPOOL FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In September 2007, a man convicted of sexually abusing a young girl was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Terence Drinkwater, aged 45, was found guilty by a Liverpool Crown Court jury on three counts of rape and six counts of indecent assault. The court was told that Drinkwater had repeatedly assaulted his victim, who is legally protected from identification, over a period from when she was five to eleven years old. The court described her as a “tortured soul” due to the impact of his crimes.

Henry Riding, the prosecuting lawyer, explained that the charges exemplified a pattern of conduct spanning six years. Drinkwater, of Crofton Road, Birkenhead, denied all allegations but was unanimously convicted.

Michael Wolff, defending, stated, “This defendant does not pose any risk of offending further. These convictions have totally devastated this defendant and it has devastated his family.” He also expressed concern that Drinkwater’s family feared he might attempt suicide.

Judge Nigel Gilmour, QC, sentenced Drinkwater to 13 years for the rape charges and an additional six years for indecent assault, with all sentences running concurrently. The judge also ordered Drinkwater to register as a sex offender for life and prohibited him from working with children.

Addressing Drinkwater directly, Judge Gilmour said, “You assaulted your victim sexually a number of times over the years. You debauched her. I have no doubt the psychological effects are serious and likely to be for a long time. The psychological damage she must have suffered she will continue to suffer until fading memories provide some relief.”