GARY WEBSTER FROM WEST DERBY SENTENCED FOR YEARS OF ABUSE AGAINST TEENAGER IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has shocked the local community of West Derby and the wider Liverpool area, Gary Webster, a 48-year-old man from Feltwood Road, was sentenced to eight years in prison for a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse and assault against a teenage girl. The disturbing details emerged during a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior that spanned over three years.

According to the prosecution, Martin Decker, Webster’s victim initially sought Webster’s help after confiding that she was being mistreated by a relative. Instead of offering support or protection, Webster exploited her vulnerability, subjecting her to further sexual misconduct. The court was told that Webster began molesting the girl when she was only 13 years old, and by the time she was 14, he had raped her. To silence her and perhaps to justify his actions, Webster reportedly told her, “You’re young, it’s only experimenting,” attempting to diminish the severity of his abuse.

The abuse persisted over a period of three years, with the girl enduring ongoing sexual assault and exploitation. The case only came to light when the victim, who was now 18, confided in her boyfriend about the abuse last year. This revelation prompted an investigation that led to Webster’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

During the sentencing, Judge Gerald Clifton condemned Webster’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. He stated, “This was not an isolated sexual offence. This was a course of behaviour during a very vulnerable period of her life. You knew she was complaining somebody else had abused her and she came to you for sympathy. But what did you do? You abused her. In my view, that was a very serious aggravating feature in this matter.”

Judge Clifton further remarked that Webster’s conduct was so egregious that it would be unwise for him to ever be in the company of young girls again, reflecting the court’s concern for public safety and the protection of minors.

As Webster sat in the dock, visibly emotional, he wiped away tears and trembled as he was led away to begin his sentence. He had pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, assault by penetration, sexual activity with a child, and sexual touching, all committed between November 2005 and November 2009.

His defense lawyer, Peter Killen, stated that Webster had surrendered himself to police and was genuinely remorseful for his actions. Despite his remorse, Webster will be required to sign the Sexual Offenders’ Register indefinitely, marking a lifelong record of his criminal behavior and ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions.

This case has left a lasting impact on the community of West Derby and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.