Neal Hatton, a 38-year-old from Warrington, was sentenced to 21 years in prison followed by six years on extended licence for the horrific sexual abuse of a child.

Hatton was convicted of two counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault after subjecting his victim to years of abuse beginning when they were of primary school age. The abuse escalated, with Hatton regularly raping and sexually assaulting the child. The victim described their terror of Hatton and how he threatened them with torture if they tried to stop him.

Despite his attempts to deny the offences, Hatton was found guilty following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Detective Sergeant Ryan Crawford praised the victim's courage in coming forward, stating that Hatton is a sexual predator who showed no regard for his victim. He added that he forced the victim to relive their traumatic experiences in court.

The judge imposed a 21-year prison sentence and a six-year extended licence on Hatton. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register and comply with a sexual harm prevention order for life. DS Crawford urged other victims of sexual offences to come forward, stating that nobody should have to endure what this victim has been through.