Liam Ross, 30, from Dartford, was handed a hefty 12-year prison sentence at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday (March 2). The coach driver had pleaded guilty to ten sex offences, including the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Bexley.
Disturbing Crimes Against Underage Girls
Ross claimed he believed the 12-year-old was old enough to consent. But the judge made it clear: “Rape of a child under 13 is a strict liability offence,” meaning a defendant’s belief about age or consent counts for nothing.
Judge Ruth Downing accepted Ross’s claim he thought the girl was older, saying, “I thought the same when I saw the victim.”
Jury Finds Ross Guilty of Additional Rape and Assault
Ross was also convicted by a jury of raping and sexually assaulting another schoolgirl, aged 16. The judge called the case “difficult and rather disturbing” because Ross had also chased “lawful but inappropriate” relationships with other schoolgirls over the age of consent.
Despite receiving a police warning letter about his risky relationship with a 16-year-old, Ross carried on. Judge Downing revealed that although their sexual relationship was initially consensual, Ross later raped and sexually assaulted the girl.
Offending Tied to No Work Connection
Ross worked as a coach driver, often transporting schoolchildren. However, the court was told his crimes had no link to his job.
A pre-sentence report described Ross’s behaviour as predatory and reckless, though Judge Downing disagreed with parts of this assessment. She expressed confidence that he would grasp the “utter folly” of his actions.
“This might send a message to those who think sailing close to the wind, being risky, is something they might like to do,” the judge said.
Lifelong Sex Offender Registration
Ross will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life. Besides the rape of a child under 13, his guilty pleas covered paying for child sexual services, inciting child exploitation, sexual assault of a child, and possession of numerous indecent images.
This grim case underlines the law’s firm stance on protecting children and punishing those who cross the line – no matter their excuses.
