ZACKARY KIRKWOOD FROM KIRKDALE SENT INDECENT VIDEOS TO 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LIVERPOOL

In January 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Zackary Kirkwood, a resident of Kirkdale, who engaged in the heinous act of sending indecent videos and photographs of himself to a young girl aged just 10 years old. The incident came to light after the girl’s father, who was shocked and alarmed by the content, decided to take matters into his own hands.

Using a different account, the father pretended to be his daughter and contacted Kirkwood, who had initially communicated with the girl under the false pretense that he was 14 years old. Kirkwood, 23 years old at the time, had used the alias 'Danny 14' and had sent multiple images and videos, including three videos and four still images of himself performing sexual acts. Despite knowing the girl’s true age, Kirkwood continued to send explicit material, which was a clear violation of trust and a serious criminal offense.

The court heard that Kirkwood had requested the girl to send him images of herself, but she refused. When her father intervened, Kirkwood responded by sending more explicit images, believing he was communicating with a minor. The police were alerted, and Kirkwood was arrested in February of the following year. Prosecutor David Polglase detailed that Kirkwood’s actions included sending videos and images of himself engaged in sexual acts, which he knew were inappropriate given the girl’s age.

During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, Kirkwood admitted to the charges but denied having a sexual interest in children. The judge, Recorder Gary Woodall, emphasized that reports indicated Kirkwood posed a significant risk of harm to children unless proper intervention was undertaken. The court was informed that the girl had become withdrawn and quiet following the incident, and her father had become overly protective, leading to familial tensions.

In sentencing, Kirkwood received an 18-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. He was also ordered to participate in an intensive sex offenders’ treatment program, complete 180 hours of unpaid community service, and register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed for seven years to restrict his activities and protect the public.

The court highlighted the seriousness of the offenses, noting that Kirkwood had caused significant emotional distress to the young girl and her family. He pleaded guilty to causing a child to watch a sexual act and attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predators like Kirkwood, whose actions have left a lasting impact on the victim and her family.