Ian Smyth, a 45-year-old man from Fazakerley, has been charged with multiple child sex offences, including the rape of a girl under 13, following an investigation by Merseyside Police's Online Child Abuse Investigation Team.
Arrest and Charges
Smyth was arrested on Friday, June 19, after police examined messages shared online. He faces a total of seven charges: rape of a girl under 13; making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child; taking an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child; distributing an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child; possessing a knife blade or sharp-pointed article in a public place; another count of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child; and engaging in sexual activity with a girl under 13.
Court Appearance
Smyth appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Saturday, where he was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on July 20.
Support for Victims
Merseyside Police urged anyone who has been a victim of sexual offences or has concerns for someone to call 101 to speak with specially trained officers. In emergencies, the public should call 999. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Specialist support services are available free of charge to anyone who has experienced sexual assault or rape, regardless of whether they have reported the incident to police. In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside on 0151 558 1801. In St Helens and Knowsley, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063. Additional support is available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service.
