A 'dangerous' man has been jailed for 12 years after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Aintree, Liverpool. Dean Lockley, 20, followed the victim as she walked home from school, then dragged her by the hair into a secluded area and assaulted her, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
The attack occurred on 21 September in broad daylight. The victim had been walking home with friends, but when they turned off, she continued alone along the Loop Line on Helsby Road. Lockley grabbed her by the throat and dragged her through grassland, where he stripped her and subjected her to a degrading and traumatic experience before threatening her.
The girl managed to return home without her shoes and alerted a neighbour, who called the police. Lockley, of Ormskirk Road, Aintree, was identified through forensic DNA analysis and arrested. He pleaded guilty to sexual assault, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and false imprisonment.
Sentencing him in his absence, Judge David Aubrey QC said he had 'no hesitation in finding that the defendant is dangerous' and noted Lockley had planned the attack with 'significant aforethought'. Lockley was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with an additional five years on licence.
CPS lawyer Wendy Newton said the victim believed Lockley would kill her during the 'disgraceful incident'. She now suffers flashbacks and is afraid to walk to and from school alone. Her friends also blame themselves for not being present during the attack.
