A 21-year-old man from Higher Bebington has been jailed for raping a teenage girl two years ago. Joseph Brownbill, of Miranda Avenue, was sentenced to three years and two months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, November 12. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed, preventing him from contacting the victim.
Offence and sentencing
The offence took place in December 2022, when the victim was 17 years old. Brownbill was 18 at the time of the attack. He was convicted following an investigation led by Constable Kerry Baldwin of Merseyside Police.
Baldwin said: “We are committed to protecting victim-survivors, 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.”
Police appeal for information
Baldwin added: “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.”
Members of the public with information about a sexual offence can call 101, where they will be spoken to by specially trained officers, or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999.
Support for victims
A police spokesperson said: “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.”
The spokesperson added that victims can 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. Support is also available from RASA Merseyside in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral on 0151 558 1801, and from RASASC Cheshire and Merseyside in St Helens and Knowsley on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service also offers support.
