THE NSPCC has branded the campaign of sexual abuse on a girl under the age of 10 by a woman and two men as "horrific and sustained".

Vicki Bevan, 37, Tony Hutton 42, and Paul Rafferty, 62, who are all from St Helens and were involved in the systematic abuse of a girl under 10 years of age over a two-year period from 2019 until 2021, appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court today (May 13)

Images of the horrific abuse were shared between the three and Bevan also shared them more widely on the platform Kik Messenger.

Bevan, of Newtown, St Helens, was given a life sentence, and must serve at least 10 years and 44 days in prison before being eligible for parole.

The judge stressed this is a "life sentence" and the minimum time to be served is "not a fixed term but is the initial term before the Parole Board can undertake a first review".

Rafferty, of Fry Street, Parr, was given an extended sentence, consisting of a 10-year custodial term and four years on licence.

Meanwhile, Hutton, of Liverpool Street, St Helens, was sentenced to four years.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “This was a horrific and sustained campaign of abuse by Bevan, Hutton and Rafferty, which no child should ever have to endure.

“We hope the young girl is receiving the support she needs to overcome the harm she suffered at their hands, and that today’s outcome sends a clear message that the perpetrators of these appalling crimes will face justice. “The NSPCC knows that childhood abuse can have devastating effects on young people which can last a lifetime, and we would urge anyone who has experienced abuse and is suffering, no matter when it happened or who the perpetrator is, to speak out and seek support.

“Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit the Childline website – www.nspcc.org.uk - at any time, while adults with concerns about the wellbeing of a child can phone the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk”