Paedophile acquitted after confessing to sexually abusing a child

A former Northwich man has been released from court after admitting sexually abusing a child in Cheshire.

Daniel Peters appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 21 June where he was sentenced to 24 months in prison, suspended for life, and ordered to complete 180 hours of community service.

The 35-year-old, formerly of Northwich but now living in Hermitage Street, Rishton, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a girl under the age of 13 by touching.

During the hearing, the court was told that Peter was a friend of the victim’s family and the group often met for social gatherings.

Peters had a small child of his own and regularly offered to look after the victim. He let her stay overnight with him and took her on day trips. However, the victim’s family did not know that he also had a sexual interest in the child.

The first offence occurred in May 2020 when Peters took the victim to his home in Northwich for a sleepover party.

While the two were traveling in his van, he drove onto the edge of a lay-by and touched the woman inappropriately several times.

Later that same month, Peters and the victim’s family took a day trip to Gulliver’s World. While at the theme park, the child described how they were on a ride when Peters grabbed her from behind and touched her inappropriately.

Peter’s crimes came to light in March 2023 when the victim’s mother discovered numerous messages on her mobile phone.

After the discovery, the victim spoke about the incident. Peters was arrested and fully admitted to the crimes.

After the verdict, Detective Constable Kelly Mankee of Northwich CID said: “The victim’s family genuinely believed they could trust Peters. He was a long-standing family friend, a former auxiliary constable and also a father of a young child himself.

“The group met regularly and both children slept over at each other’s houses. But unbeknownst to them, the real reason for his interest was to fulfill his own sexual gratification.

“He completely abused his position of trust and his actions had devastating consequences for the victim and her family.

“I would like to commend them for the courage and bravery they have shown throughout the investigation and I hope that the fact that Peters has now been convicted and held accountable for his actions offers them some closure.”

As part of his sentence, Peter was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and was required to sign the sex offenders register.

Cheshire Police takes all allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously and investigates all allegations thoroughly, with the wishes and needs of the victim being our top priority.

To report a sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20

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