16 years in jail for man who raped another man on Crosby Beach

 A 51-year-old man has been jailed for raping a man on Crosby beach last year.

Stephen Elms, of Sandheys Terrace, Waterloo, was sentenced to 16 years, plus four years on licence at Liverpool Crown Court, following a trial.

At around 3.40am on Sunday 28 November 2021, Elms approached his victim who was walking along Oxford Road, Crosby.

Elms took him to Crosby beach where he raped and sexually assaulted him.

Elms then left the scene and his victim was found by patrols a short distance away.

An investigation was launched by police including extensive CCTV and forensic enquiries.

Several days later, on Thursday 2 December, officers located Elms’ van and detained and arrested him.

He was taken into custody for questioning, charged with rape and remanded into custody.

Elms went on to deny the charges in court but was found guilty by a jury.

In a statement, Elm’s victim spoke of how, since the attack, he has “found it really hard to deal and cope with every single day…I am a young man who should be starting out with my adult life – instead I am stuck and that monster has taken away innocence.

“I can never forgive him for what he did to me…at this moment I feel safe in the knowledge he has been locked away.”

Detective Constable Tamsin Chambers said: “We welcome that Elms has been jailed for a significant length of time.

“Elms subjected his victim to an utterly horrendous attack, the effects of which he still lives with today. He continues to receive support from specially trained officers.

“Not only did Elms subject him to an appalling attack but he also made his victim endure the ordeal of a trial. Fortunately, the jury saw through Elms’ lies and he can now consider the consequences of his despicable actions while behind bars.

“I would like to praise the victim for the bravery has shown throughout the investigation and trial. I hope the fact that Elms has been jailed will bring the victim some closure and help him start to rebuild his life.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind anyone who has been the victim of any sexual assault that there is extensive help and support available to you.

“Here at Merseyside Police we have specially trained officers in our dedicated Unity Team who will listen to you and treat you with the utmost sensitivity and compassion. There are also a number of reliable and trusted organisations and charities who will support you from your initial report, right through the court process and beyond.”