Support worker bonded with girl over Star Wars then subjected her to horrific abuse

A support worker subjected a girl to a series of depraved sexual acts after bonding with her over Star Wars. Aria Peers abused the youngster when she was aged as young as 11, with the sickening campaign of rape and assault leaving an "untold impact" upon her.

Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Monday, that the 51-year-old, of Camberley Drive in Halewood, began by touching the victim's breasts and private parts before encouraging her to use a sex toy on herself. She was then raped and told to engage in acts which the ECHO has deemed too graphic to detail.

Michael Scholes, prosecuting, described how the two had bonded over a "common interest in Star Wars". Peers' offending came to light after the complainant confided in friends and teachers.

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The court was told Peers identified as male when the offences, in Wirral, were committed, but now identifies as female. Anthony O'Donohoe, defending, told the court: "There is nothing I can say about the facts of the case. The defendant accepts that a significant, lengthy custodial sentence is inevitable in this case.

"The defendant has settled on the wing that she is on, and that is encouraging. That was a matter of some concern. The custodial experience for her in her particular circumstances is likely to be more difficult to navigate than in other, more usual, cases."

Peers, who has no previous convictions, was found guilty of two counts of rape, attempted rape three charges of sexual assault and two offences of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity by a jury following a trial. Appearing in the dock wearing a grey prison issue jumper, she was jailed for 15 years - of which she must serve at least two thirds before becoming eligible for release - and handed an additional year on licence.

Sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: "I accept that, in this case, there is an element of grooming with the close bond that you developed and took advantage of. It became more sinister, with you grooming her so that you could start to abuse her. You took the opportunity to fulfil your own sexual desires.

"You were disbelieved by the jury and convicted. You still deny these matters today. She is a brave young woman who, by coming forward, has stood up to you. I hope that, with the support of her family, she will be able to move on with her life.

"Prior to this, you worked as a support worker for a number of years. You have suffered with periods of anxiety and depression and have struggled with your gender identity throughout your life. I appreciate that, as a transgender prisoner, there will be issues which you will have to navigate during the very long period of your sentence.

"You targeted a young female child for your own sexual gratification. The impact on her is untold. This was offending behaviour on numerous occasions over a period of time."

Peers was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a lifelong restraining order and will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life.