A vile child abuse gang has been sentenced to prison after shocking evidence emerged during a police investigation. Vicki Bevan, along with two men, Tony Hutton and Paul Rafferty, were found guilty of sharing indecent images and sexually abusing children in St Helens.
In June 2021, police discovered chilling images and videos of children on the phone of a convicted paedophile. The mobile number associated with these materials was traced to Vicki Bevan. Further messages revealed Bevan’s involvement in sexually abusing children alongside Hutton and Rafferty.
Following this discovery, police raided Bevan’s home and seized laptops and phones containing indecent images shared with her two accomplices.
Bevan was arrested in October 2021 and initially charged with 11 offences. Her charges later increased to a total of 34. All three defendants pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court in January 2022.
Bevan received a life sentence with a minimum term of 10 years for rape, multiple counts of child sexual assault, and distributing indecent images. Paul Rafferty, aged 62, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment plus a 4-year extended license for child rape and indecent image offences. Tony Hutton, aged 42, was jailed for 4 years for sexual assault and possession of indecent photos of children.
Detective Chief Inspector Allison Woods said, “These extremely disturbing crimes caused immeasurable harm to the victims and destroyed lives. Thanks to relentless work between Merseyside Police and St Helens Social Services, these offenders are behind bars where they can no longer threaten children.”
She added, “If you suspect any form of child abuse, please report it. Our specialist team takes every report seriously and will ensure victims receive justice.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
