KEVIN RATLCLIFFE FROM KIRKBY AND SOUTHPORT SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF CHILD IN 1990S

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Kirkby and Southport, Kevin Ratcliffe, a man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the heinous crimes he committed against a young girl during the 1990s.

Ratcliffe, who was 58 years old at the time of his conviction, had a criminal record that included two previous sex offenses in the Kirkby area, which led to his imprisonment in 2008. It was only after his recent conviction that the victim, who had remained silent for years, decided to come forward and testify against him.

The victim, now an adult woman, recounted her traumatic experiences during her testimony at Liverpool Crown Court. She revealed that Ratcliffe, who was then serving as a local councillor, began abusing her when she was just seven years old. Her account detailed how Ratcliffe repeatedly molested her over a period of years, forcing her to perform obscene acts and ultimately raping her on four separate occasions.

Throughout the trial, the woman described the emotional and physical toll the abuse had taken on her, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of Ratcliffe’s actions. Despite his denial of the charges, claiming innocence, the jury found him guilty on all 12 counts, which included four counts of rape, four charges of indecent assault, and four counts of indecency with a child.

Judge Clifton, presiding over the case, sentenced Ratcliffe to serve a 15-year prison term and ordered him to register as a sex offender indefinitely. Ratcliffe’s current residence is listed as Bank Square, Southport, but his criminal history and recent conviction have cast a long shadow over his reputation and the communities of Kirkby and Southport.