Man jailed for attempt rape of a child in Crewe

A man has been jailed for the attempted rape of a child in Crewe.

Stephen McPhee appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 4 September where he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The 34-year-old, from Rigby Avenue in Crewe, was previously convicted of one count of attempt rape of a girl under 13 following a 6-day trial at Chester Crown Court.

He was also found not guilty of two counts of rape.

Cheshire Police launched an investigation into the abuse in 2021, following a disclosure made by the victim.

The jury heard how McPhee had attempted to rape the victim on a number of occasions, when she was between the age of 9 and 11 years old.

McPhee was investigated and subsequently charged.

Detective Constable Lindsay Wooffitt said: 

"Firstly, I would like to commend the victim for the strength and courage she has shown throughout this case, and I hope the sentence handed to McPhee will provide her closure and a chance to move on with her life.

"McPhee is a dangerous individual, who sexually abused a little girl. He showed no remorse throughout the entire investigation, and even made his victim relive the experiences in court.

“Thankfully, as a result of the evidence gathered and the bravery of the victim, the jury were able to see through his lies, and he is now being held accountable for his actions."

DC Wooffitt added:

“As this case shows, Cheshire Constabulary takes any allegation of sexual offences extremely seriously, no matter how long ago they relate to.

“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 for life.”

Pictured - Stephen McPhee from Rigby Avenue in Crewe.