SHAUN BENNETT, WIRRAL SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED TO SEVEN AND A HALF YEARS IN MERSEYSIDE
This article portrays Shaun Bennett, a now 18-year-old male from Wavertree, Wirral, who committed aggravated sexual offences against a 13-year-old girl.The victim, whom Bennett targeted after meeting her online, was lured into woodland areas where he raped her in what witnesses described as a "twisted, hate-filled" manner.
Bennett, who was 15 at the time, later assaulted her again and threatened her on Instagram when she sought help from the police.
Merseyside Police confirmed they held no mugshot of Bennett because he voluntarily attended an interview, but his face is now publicly recognisable through a foul-mouthed Snapchat tirade captured and shared.
The clip was filmed by Bennett in response to accusations that he was a rapist, during which he screamed, used homophobic slurs, and yelled: "Get Liverpool right now, I'm telling you lad, get f*****g Liverpool right now!".
Formerly residing in Liscard, Wallasey, Bennett now lives on Bishopgate Street, Wavertree.
He had previously denied his crimes for over two years despite evidence, but finally pleaded guilty just a week before his trial and days before his 18th birthday in September, to charges of rape, sexual assault, and assault by penetration.
Despite his guilty plea, a judge described Bennett as "utterly shameful and wicked," criticising his lack of remorse, misogynistic attitudes towards women, and tendencies to find causing distress amusing.
Bennett had prior convictions, including a sexual abuse conviction at age 14 resulting in a 12-month referral order in 2018, and a Youth Rehabilitation Order after being caught with a knife and committing assault in 2019.
The incident with his 13-year-old victim began when he befriended her online.
Prosecutor Ben Jones explained that the girl went out with friends and later met Bennett in Wirral parkland.
He led her into secluded woods, aggressively pressed against her against a wall, and tried to remove her clothing despite her protests.
Recorder Ian Unsworth, QC, described the attack as "carefully planned" and "horrific," emphasising the victim’s clear resistance and Bennett’s contempt for her boundaries.
During the assault, Bennett ignored her "no" and rappelled her, calling her derogatory names.
Shortly afterward, Bennett subjected her to another "vile and wholly self-centred" sexual assault, motivated by grooming and manipulation which made her believe he had romantic intentions.
The judge noted Bennett consumed "large quantities of neat vodka" before the incidents.
The victim at first remained silent out of fear but later confided in school counsellors, prompting police involvement.
The court heard she had blamed herself and felt she had let her family down, feeling "disgusting and vile" as a result.
The girl now reports fear of boys and has altered her appearance, illustrating the lasting impact of her trauma.
Defence lawyer Andrew McInnes argued that Bennett had suffered significant childhood trauma, including limited contact with family and abuse, which contributed to his vulnerabilities.
He cited a report from Wirral Youth Offending Service, describing Bennett as a young man who grew up in a dysfunctional environment, often in "survival mode," and in need of professional help.
However, the judge stated that Bennett showed no remorse and that the case’s aggravating features vastly outweighed any mitigation.
Addressing Bennett directly, Recorder Unsworth expressed hope for reflection over time, stating, "It is only hoped as the years go by, you reflect on these utterly shameful and wicked things you did to her." Sentencing was constrained by Bennett’s age at the time of the offences, yet the judge explicitly expressed concern over Bennett’s potential to commit further harm.
He declared Bennett a "highly dangerous young man" and sentenced him to seven and a half years in prison, with an extended five-year license period.
Under this sentence, Bennett must serve at least two-thirds of his custodial term, approximately five years, before parole eligibility.
He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and release depends on the Parole Board’s assessment of his ongoing risk.
