A 20-YEAR-OLD man who committed a series of sexual assaults on vulnerable young girls has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.

Christopher McCain from Skipton Road, Huyton, pleaded guilty to the assaults against children in St Helens town centre in the summer of 2015.

A judge at Liverpool Crown Court ruled he must serve four years and eight months in prison.

McCain was also given a six-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for his lifetime.

Speaking afterwards, Detective Sergeant Jim Starkey, of St Helens CID said: "Today's sentence should send out a very clear message to paedophiles that sexual activity with children will be dealt with extremely seriously.

"Christopher McCain is a predatory offender who repeatedly took advantage of vulnerable young girls, which has resulted in severe psychological impact on his victims.

“I would like to praise the victims for their immense bravery in giving evidence to help secure justice and has been supported every step of the way by the police and our partners. 

“I would urge other victims of sexual offences, whether they are historic or otherwise, to not suffer in silence and instead tell someone what has happened to them.” 

“The force is committed to the protection and wider safeguarding issues of children. In doing so we view the abuse of any child as unacceptable and will work with partner agencies to investigate and where possible prevent such abuse. 

“We all have a duty of care to protect young people from harm and I would encourage parents, grandparents, teachers, health professionals, social services and any other adults to take a little time to better educate themselves about online safety and child sexual exploitation. 

“Merseyside Police has a great website called www.listentomystory.co.uk which highlights these issues from young people’s perspectives and also shows where you can get help if you have any concerns about any child you know. 

"It helps victims to find the right kind of support and advice if they have suffered abuse in the past. It also has loads of information for young people to help them if they think they are being exploited, or if they are worried one of their friends may be.” 

Anyone who would like to report a sexual offence or anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.