JASON BURRELL FROM EVERTON AND WALLASEY SENTENCED FOR GROOMING SCHOOLGIRL AND THREATENING RAPE IN LIVERPOOL
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Everton and Wallasey, Jason Burrell, a 27-year-old man, was found guilty of grooming a vulnerable schoolgirl on Facebook and subsequently threatening her with sexual violence when she rejected his advances.The incident, which took place in January 2019, highlights the dangers posed by online predators and the devastating impact they can have on young victims.
Burrell, who was on licence from prison at the time, had previously served time for attempting to persuade a 12-year-old child into engaging in sexual activity.
Despite his criminal history, he continued to pose a significant threat, as evidenced by his latest actions.
During the court proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court, prosecutors revealed that Burrell had engaged in a two-week online conversation with the 14-year-old girl, during which he falsely claimed to be 17 years old.
In reality, he was 26 at the time.
The court was told that Burrell added the girl on Facebook, where her profile was set to public, allowing anyone to view her personal details, including her age and mobile phone number.
The girl responded to his friend request, initiating a chat that would soon turn sinister.
Prosecutor Derek Jones explained that the conversation quickly escalated, with Burrell asking for oral sex.
The girl responded firmly, stating, "I don’t know you, you freak," and reiterated her age, emphasizing that she was only 14.
Burrell, however, claimed he believed she was 15, but the tone of their messages soon shifted to threats and intimidation.
Burrell made alarming threats, telling the girl that he would physically assault her on her way to school if she refused to perform oral sex.
He also warned that if she contacted the police, he would rape her.
These messages left the young girl deeply distressed, and she confided in her mother, crying and frightened by the threatening language used by Burrell.
Her mother, concerned for her safety, conducted her own investigation and identified Burrell to the authorities.
He was arrested later that evening.
The victim’s mother described her daughter as having changed significantly since the incident.
She noted that her child had become withdrawn, losing confidence and trust in others.
The girl was now anxious about leaving the house alone and experienced panic attacks.
She required support, including counselling and medical attention, to cope with the trauma inflicted by Burrell’s actions.
During police interviews, Burrell chose to remain silent, making no comment.
However, officers uncovered a troubling pattern of his past behaviour, which included previous convictions for asking children for oral sex.
In 2016, he was sentenced to 27 months in prison for causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
His history also revealed multiple failures to comply with the Sex Offenders Register, resulting in additional short-term imprisonments in July 2017 and July 2018.
Judge David Aubrey, QC, addressed the court, condemning Burrell’s predatory conduct.
He described Burrell’s actions as planned and calculated, aimed at exploiting a vulnerable young girl.
The judge emphasized the severe psychological harm caused, stating, "Some of the communication, irrespective of the incitement, and the words that you uttered, are chilling." He highlighted that Burrell had manipulated his way into the girl’s life with the clear intent of sexual exploitation.
When the girl attempted to end their contact, Burrell responded with a threat of rape, demonstrating his dangerousness.
Given Burrell’s failure to engage with sex offender treatment programs, the judge sentenced him to four years in prison, with an extended three-year licence period.
He was ordered to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for release, contingent upon a parole board’s assessment of his risk to the public.
Additionally, Burrell is required to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years and to register as a sex offender indefinitely, underscoring the ongoing threat he poses to society.
