SUPPORT WORKER JAILED FOR EXPLOITING GIRL AS YOUNG AS 11
A support worker subjected a girl to a series of depraved sexual acts after bonding with her over Star Wars.Aria Peers abused the youngster when she was aged as young as 11, with the sickening campaign of rape and assault leaving an "untold impact" upon her.
Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Monday, that the 51-year-old, of Camberley Drive in Halewood, began by touching the victim's breasts and private parts before encouraging her to use a sex toy on herself.
She was then raped and told to engage in acts which the ECHO has deemed too graphic to detail.
Michael Scholes, prosecuting, described how the two had bonded over a "common interest in Star Wars".
Peers' offending came to light after the complainant confided in friends and teachers.
Peers, who has no previous convictions, was found guilty of two counts of rape, attempted rape three charges of sexual assault and two offences of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity by a jury following a trial.
Appearing in the dock wearing a grey prison issue jumper, she was jailed for 15 years - of which she must serve at least two thirds before becoming eligible for release - and handed an additional year on licence.
Sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: "I accept that, in this case, there is an element of grooming with the close bond that you developed and took advantage of.
It became more sinister, with you grooming her so that you could start to abuse her.
You took the opportunity to fulfil your own sexual desires.
You were disbelieved by the jury and convicted.
You still deny these matters today.
She is a brave young woman who, by coming forward, has stood up to you.
I hope that, with the support of her family, she will be able to move on with her life.
Peers, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to 15 years, with a minimum of two-thirds to be served before release, and an extra year on licence.
The court was told Peers identified as male when the offences, in Wirral, were committed, but now identifies as female.
The defendant accepted that a significant, lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable.
The judge noted her gender identity struggles and her history as a support worker.
Prior to this, she had suffered from periods of anxiety and depression.
Additional orders include an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, a lifelong restraining order, and requirements to register as a sex offender for life.
The impact on the victim is described as "untold".
The court heard the defendant's actions included touching the victim's breasts and private parts, encouraging her to use a sex toy, followed by rape and other sexual acts.
The judge described her actions as grooming and taking advantage of the close bond over Star Wars, and stated that her offending behaviors occurred over a period of time.
She was convicted after a jury trial and given a 15-year sentence plus a year on license, with the court acknowledging her gender identity issues and her history as a support worker.
