Man jailed for fifteen years after Southport rape

Police have today, Friday 15 October, welcomed the sentencing of a 23-year-old man for rape in Southport earlier this year.

Stephen Lequesne, 23, of no fixed address was sentenced to 15 years at Liverpool Crown Court for rape, following a guilty plea.

It was reported that Lequesne assaulted a female victim on Houghton Street, Southport at around 1.30am and was detained by a member of the public.

Officers swiftly attended the scene and arrested Lequesne.

He was charged the following day and remanded in custody.

Detective Inspector Lisa Milligan said:  “Lequesne subjected his victim to a horrific ordeal and I am pleased he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.

“There is no doubt that this continues to have a profound impact on Lequesne’s victim and I hope that he will reflect on the pain and suffering he has caused while serving his sentence.

“I would like to take the opportunity to praise his victim for her bravery and composure throughout the investigation.

“As this incident shows, Merseyside Police is committed to protecting victims of sexual offences.

“I want to make it clear that if you report a sexual offence, we will investigate it thoroughly and provide you with the utmost support throughout. We are here to treat you with compassion and respect, and will work tirelessly to put perpetrators before the courts.

“Specialist police officers from our Unity team work side-by-side with a number of partners including Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), who work with the victim from the moment the police make the referral through to the court case and beyond.”

Anyone with information or wants to report sexual offence allegation is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.