Paula Lister, 55, of Creswell Street in St Helens, has been jailed for 14 years for child cruelty after allowing her partner, Melvin Miller, to sexually abuse two young girls. A judge branded her actions an "inexcusable failure and absolute betrayal" as she was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.
Lister was captured in the background of one video as Miller filmed himself carrying out the abuse. Miller, 51, previously received a 16-year prison sentence for the sexual abuse of two girls from as young as six years old, with offences taking place over approximately two and a half years.
Victims' statements read in court
Prosecuting barrister Nicholas Williams read statements from both girls. One said: "As much as I work on myself, I believe I will never truly forget my trauma or fully forgive those who inflicted them upon me." The second complainant stated: "Paula has destroyed my trust in anyone, and she's ruined my childhood. I think Paula is a disgusting person and I hope she gets the punishment she deserves, as she's ruined my life."
The mother of one of the girls addressed Lister directly, saying: "You're a monster in its truest form, evil to the core, a predator and cruel. You snatched away part of two little girls' childhoods and innocence, which they can never get back." She added: "The tears you've shed in court were not for either of the girls, but for yourself."
Judge's sentencing remarks
Judge Neil Flewitt KC said: "I cannot imagine a worse case of child cruelty. Whatever the reason, what you did was inexcusable and has caused terrible harm to both of your victims." He noted Lister had no other criminal convictions or warnings and said her sentence would be her first experience of custody.
The judge acknowledged Lister's adverse childhood experiences and health conditions, including COPD, sleep apnoea and PTSD, but said these had "very limited value as mitigation." He added: "You have shown no remorse for your offending. I am satisfied that you were not coerced by Melvin Miller in any way."
At the hearing's conclusion, Judge Flewitt praised the victims' courage and paid tribute to the police officers involved in the investigation, saying: "They should be proud of their work. It was that work that brought Paula Lister to justice."
The abuse came to light when one of the victims confided in a friend, who told a teacher. Police discovered more than 250,000 indecent images of children, including footage of Miller raping the girls. One clip showed him offering one youngster a doughnut and chocolate as a "bonus."
