MAN SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL OFFENCES
A man identified as Elliot Troy, 24, sobbed in court today as he faced sentencing for disturbing sexual offences committed in his past.Troy, of Carr Lane East, Croxteth, formerly of Crosby, had denied all allegations but was convicted after a trial on three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Judge David Aubrey, QC, acknowledged Troy's personal development, stating, "You have developed into a much more mature person, you have a good record and now have a girlfriend.
But you have caused psychological scars to your victim that will remain with him for the rest of his life." The Liverpool Crown Court heard the brave victim came forward in 2017 to share the abuse with his father.
The offences took place when Troy was between 11 and 15 years old, while the victim was between nine and 12.
The judge noted, "However, the abuse had started many years before, when the victim estimated his age to be only three or four," adding that Troy was around six or seven at the time—below the UK's age of criminal responsibility of 10.
Although Troy was not to be sentenced for those earlier acts, Judge Aubrey highlighted that it was within this troubling background that Troy, influenced by a distorted perception of normality, engaged the boy in "rude games" and other sexual activities.
Describing the escalation of abuse, the judge clarified, "It escalated, and there is no doubt your victim wanted none of it." The court was told that at age 11, Troy sexually assaulted the boy by rubbing his penis against his bottom, later oral raping him, and prompting the boy with remarks like "he had done really well".
Troy committed these acts on at least three other occasions, grooming the boy by offering rewards, such as Xbox privileges, and exposing him to pornography.
The abuse culminated when Troy raped the 12-year-old victim at age 15.
Prosecutor Phil Astbury revealed that the victim now suffers from frequent nightmares, featuring memories of both the abuse and a lack of support from his parents.
The victim struggles with suicidal thoughts, has attempted self-harm, and is now on antidepressants.
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Astbury described how his client’s education had been affected, and how the victim feels guilty and ashamed—even though he understands he shouldn't.
"He feels frozen, stuck in the past, and unable to move on," he said.
The emotional toll is severe, with the victim reporting he cannot remember the last time he felt truly happy, and finds it impossible to maintain relationships or even kiss.
Judge Aubrey described the victim's account as "powerful" and "poignant", emphasising the unique circumstances of the case involving both defendant and victim at such young ages.
Solicitor Arthur Gibson highlighted Troy’s good character and absence of offenses since age 15.
The judge expressed concern over the delay in processing the case, noting Troy was first interviewed by police in September 2017, yet only appeared before magistrates in July 2020 deemed an "unacceptable delay".
This, combined with the impact on Troy’s life, was considered during sentencing.
After reviewing pre-sentence reports, character references, and a letter from Troy expressing remorse and caring for his unwell mother, Judge Aubrey remarked, "You have been described as having remorse for past events, but that is not supported by your denials during trial, although I accept you did accept some activity had taken place." The judge acknowledged Troy’s regret and mental health struggles but criticised his failure to fully admit his actions before trial.
"It’s unfortunate you did not have the courage to admit all that you had done prior to your trial," he said.
Sentencing reflected Troy’s age at the time of the offences and the fact that his earliest misconduct was just above the age of criminal responsibility.
Judge Aubrey stated, "I am satisfied there came a time when you must certainly have known what you were doing was wrong and that he did not want to do that which you wished." Had Troy been an adult at the time, the judge said, he would have received a sentence of at least 12 years.
Considering his age during the offences, the delay in proceedings, and prison conditions during the pandemic, Troy was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.
Additionally, Troy is required to adhere to a restraining order and to register as a sex offender for life.
