Timely Justice for Victims as Southport Rapist Gets 21-Year Sentence

A man from Southport has been jailed for 21 years for raping three women during separate incidents between 2003 and 2018.

Paul Wilson, 44, of Southbank Road, in Southport, denied four counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape and assault, but he was found guilty and sentenced today, Monday 9 December, at Liverpool Crown Court.

During his trial, the court heard how Wilson raped three women, all aged in their 40s, during separate incidents at addresses in Southport between 2003 and 2018.

Following a complex and lengthy investigation, detectives arrested Wilson and were able to provide the evidence that proved that he was guilty of these offences.

Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: “Wilson is a dangerous predator who targeted three women, but it’s thanks to their bravery that he is now off our streets and facing a significant amount of time in prison.

“Despite denying the accusations and forcing his victims to endure a trial, Wilson was found guilty after we were able to provide the evidence that showed he was guilty of these extremely serious offences.

“I would like to praise the courage and dignity shown by the victims throughout the investigation. Today’s result shows that violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We are committed to protecting victims of sexual offences, and anyone who reports an incident to us will be safeguarded and supported throughout the investigation by specially trained officers and Sexual Violence Advocates who will provide all the relevant support.

“Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Anyone with information or wants to report a sexual offence 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. In an emergency, always call 999.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services.

These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it.
If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation and court processes.

You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police.

With no police involvement, a specialist doctor at Safe Place can examine you to check that you are okay and look for DNA evidence, which they will store to support your case. This gives you the option of making a formal police report at a later time, if you choose to.

Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

If you do not require immediate police assistance then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website here: Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Merseyside Police

Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Victim Care Merseyside | Merseyside Police 

Alternatively, you can report a sexual offence by calling 101 or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.

We have recently launched our plan to tackle the issue of violence against women and girls and help women and girls to feel safe and be safe across Merseyside. The link can be found here: #TakingAction to end Violence Against Women and Girls | Merseyside Police