A 44-YEAR-OLD man who raped a girl in Prescot has been jailed.

Alan Williams, 44, of Cross Street, Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire was found guilty of rape; one count of sexual assault and two counts of sexual touching.

He was jailed for 11 years at Liverpool Crown Court following the rape of a 13-year-old-girl, which took place in Prescot on the evening of September 8 last year.

Detectives have welcomed the jail sentence handed to Williams and commended the "bravery" of the victim in coming forward after her ordeal.

Detective Constable Billy Williamson, of the Merseyside Police Unity Team, said “This is a truly awful offence which has devastated a young child.

“I want to praise her bravery for coming forward and allowing us to investigate which has ultimately led us to bring Williams to justice.

“At such a young age, there is no doubt that this has and will have a significant impact on her life but I hope with our continued support, she’ll overcome this.

"She has already shown strength and determination to overcome this ordeal and I hope this sentencing allows her and her family to regain some sense of normality and closure in order to move on with their lives."

He added: “Rape is a very personal crime, which many victims understandably struggle to come to terms with and often don't speak out. I hope this sentencing encourages others to confide in us, allowing us to take dangerous individuals off our streets.

“I’d urge anyone who has been sexually assaulted or raped to reach out to someone they trust so together, with the right support network and our specially trained officers from our Unity Team we can bring offenders to justice.”