Christopher Aherne abused his victim over a two-year period
Christopher Aherne was sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison(Image: Cheshire Constabulary )
Staff at a bowling alley helped uncover a child rapist’s sickening crimes after spotting inappropriate behaviour. A court heard how Christopher Aherne’s abuse took place over a two-year period.
The 47-year-old’s crimes were unravelled in December 2021 after staff at a bowling alley reported witnessing a man who was acting inappropriately with a child. Police attended, but on arrival Aherne had already left the premises.
However, following enquiries they were able to identify him and officers were also able to identify the child who told police about what Aherne had subjected them to.
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Aherne, of Perrin Avenue, Runcorn, was later arrested at his garage where officers recovered his mobile phone. While examining the mobile officers discovered several inappropriate images along with messages to the victim, asking them to share photographs of themselves.
He was charged with rape and multiple counts of sexual offences. Aherne appeared at Chester Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, January 9, after he had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and 13 counts of sexual activity with a child.
Aherne was sentenced to 19 years and six months in prison. He also admitted supplying class A drugs, possession of indecent images and five counts of making indecent images. In addition to the custodial sentence, Aherne was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
Following the sentencing DC Christopher Tyrer said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the bravery and courage they have shown throughout the investigation. While Aherne admitted his guilt, he has shown no remorse for his actions and the victim will never be able to forget what he did to them.
“However, I do hope that the significant sentence handed to him will provide them with some closure and help them to move forward with their life.”
DC Tyrer added: “Nobody should have to experience what the victim has been though and if anything can come from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.
“Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.
“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”
Sexual offences can be reported to Cheshire Constabulary via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or by calling 101. They can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.