Bolton rapist sentenced to life imprisonment after gruesome attack in park

Last winter, 31-year-old Stephen Godridge from Bolton had arranged to pick up the girl in his car and drive her to Anfield Park in Liverpool.

Godridge, who was subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) at the time of the offences and was on the sex offenders’ register for life for offences committed in 2019, denied the offences.

He was charged and remanded in custody. Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in May this year, he was found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of penetrative assault and sexual assault.

He was also found guilty of violating his SHPO.

Today he was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of ten years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Bob Sandham said: “Godridge’s actions have had an extremely traumatic and long-lasting impact on his victim and her family, who were supported throughout by specially trained officers.”

“Godridge denied the offences, forcing his victim to endure a trial. Fortunately, he was convicted of these offences and will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“I hope that today’s verdict will provide the girl with some sense of justice as she continues her recovery.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and speak to us. We have a team of dedicated staff who will handle your reports expertly and compassionately and we will do everything we can to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and work with partner organisations such as the Victim Care Support Service and RASA, who support victims every step of the way.”

To report a sexual offence, call 101 where you will be interviewed by specially trained officers, or you can pass the information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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