Bernard Sullivan, 51, from Waterloo, has been jailed for 19 years after a jury found him guilty of a series of sexual offences. The sentencing took place on Monday, October 27, at Liverpool Crown Court, where Sullivan, who has no fixed address, was convicted last month of two counts of assault by penetration, strangulation and three counts of rape.
Sentencing and restrictions
In addition to the prison term, Sullivan was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and handed an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim.
The survivor, in a victim impact statement, described the devastating effect the abuse had on their life.
They said: “Sullivan stripped away the strong, confident person I used to be. I struggled to go out alone, suffered nightmares. I was constantly nervous and anxious and frightened in my own community.
“The effects of that continue to impact me, and I am still healing.
“Despite everything, I have worked hard to rebuild my life. His actions changed my life, affected my mental health, damaged my confidence, and altered how I live day-to-day. I believe women will be safer with him no longer in the community.”
Investigation and police response
Detective Constable Yvonne Worthington, who led the investigation, said Sullivan had shown no remorse throughout the investigation and had denied the offences.
She said: “Throughout the investigation Sullivan showed no remorse for the abuse he carried out and denied the offences put to him. Thankfully the jury saw through his lies and found him guilty.
“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.
“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.”
Support for victims
Anyone with information or who wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101, where they will be spoken to by specially trained officers, or can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
Victims of sexual assault or rape can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. These services can support people in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if they are thinking of making a police report but are unsure what that involves.
People can also 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. Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside on 0151 558 1801, and in St Helens and Knowsley from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.
Merseyside Police recently launched its plan to tackle the issue of violence against women and girls and help women and girls to feel safe and be safe across Merseyside.
