MARC STOKES FROM DENSON-WALTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LIVERPOOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Denson and Walton, a 45-year-old man named Marc Stokes was found guilty of engaging in heinous online activities involving a minor. The incident came to light after an undercover police operation that revealed his sinister intentions and manipulative behavior.

Stokes, who falsely claimed to be a paedophile hunter, engaged in a series of conversations over a span of two months with what he believed was a concerned parent, but was in fact an undercover officer posing as 'Becky'. During these exchanges, he expressed a disturbing desire to repeatedly sexually assault a 12-year-old girl, identified as 'Lizzie', while her mother watched. Despite his claims of acting out of concern, the jury did not believe his fabricated stories.

Prosecutor David Polglase outlined to Liverpool Crown Court that Stokes had used online aliases such as 'KinkDomM_UK' on Chat Avenue and 'live:d***stokes' on Skype to communicate. Over the course of their interactions, he developed a relationship with 'Becky' and disclosed his sexual interest in her daughter. In vile and explicit chats, he discussed the possibility of sexually abusing the young girl alongside her mother, which demonstrated his predatory intent.

On a specific occasion, the undercover officer allowed 'Lizzie' to join the chat, and Stokes engaged in sexual communication with her, further evidencing his dangerous mindset. The police arrested him in September 2019, and during police interviews, he claimed he had reported 'Becky' to an online administrator, despite lacking any evidence to support this assertion. He insisted he continued the conversations out of concern and a desire to gather evidence for the police, denying any sexual attraction to children.

Stokes, who resides at The Close in Walton, was convicted by a jury of arranging to commit penetrative sexual activity with a child between May 28 and August 6, 2019. He was also found guilty of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor during the same period. The court heard that his actions posed a significant threat to the safety and well-being of children.

Judge Anil Murray addressed the court, emphasizing that Stokes represented a serious danger to children and their safety. While the defendant claimed to be ashamed and sorry, the judge made it clear that he did not believe these statements reflected genuine remorse. The judge condemned his lack of remorse and sentenced him to five years and six months in prison. Additionally, Stokes was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and comply with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.