NEIL CRIPPS FROM MORETON SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR REPEATED CHILD RAPE IN WIRRAL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Moreton and the wider Wirral area, Neil Cripps, aged 42, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years for a series of heinous sexual offenses involving young girls. The crimes, which spanned several years, included multiple counts of rape, attempted rape, and indecent assault, all committed against vulnerable victims.

Cripps's criminal actions came to light only last year, prompting a thorough investigation by authorities. The Liverpool Crown Court heard that the abuse began when one of the victims was merely three years old, highlighting the disturbing nature of his offenses. During the trial, the prosecution, led by Peter Davies, detailed how Cripps repeatedly raped an older girl and made attempts to assault a younger child, demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior.

Despite denying the allegations, Cripps was found guilty by a jury of five counts of rape, five counts of attempted rape—classified as specimen offenses—and nine counts of indecent assault. The court was told that the impact on the victims has been profound and enduring, with victim impact reports indicating serious and long-lasting psychological and emotional damage.

Judge Nigel Gilmour QC did not hold back in his sentencing remarks, condemning Cripps for his lack of moral compass and his failure to resist the temptation to harm children. The judge emphasized that Cripps had