Support worker bonded with girl during ‘Star Wars’ and then subjected her to terrible abuse

Some of Aria Peers’ crimes were so disturbing that the details are too graphic to be published

A support worker subjected a girl to a series of depraved sex acts after bonding with her during Star Wars. Aria Peers abused the teenager when she was just 11 and the sickening campaign of rape and assault had an “indescribable impact” on her.

Liverpool Crown Court Today, Monday, I heard that a 51-year-old man from Camberley Drive had arrived Halewoodit started with touching the victim’s breasts and private parts, and then encouraged her to use a sex toy on herself. She was then raped and ordered to commit acts that ECHO deemed too graphic to describe in detail.

Prosecutor Michael Scholes described how they were brought together by their “shared interest in Star Wars.” The crimes committed by his peers came to light when the applicant confided in friends and teachers.

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The court was told Peers identified as male at the time of the offence Wirralwere committed, but now identifies as a woman. Defense lawyer Anthony O’Donohoe told the court: “I can’t say anything about the facts of the case. The defendant admits that in this case a significant and long prison sentence is inevitable.

“The defendant has chosen the wing she is on, and that is encouraging. This was the subject of some concern. The experience of care in its particular circumstances will likely be more difficult to navigate than in other, more common, matters.”

Peers, who had no previous convictions, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of rape, attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity by the jury after a trial. Appearing in the dock wearing a gray prison jumper, she was sentenced to 15 years in prison – at least two-thirds of which she had to serve before she could be released – and given an additional year on her licence.

Sentencing, Judge Katherine Pierpoint said: “I accept that there is an element of grooming in this case due to the close bond that you have developed and which you have exploited. Things became more sinister when you seduced her so that you could start abusing her. You took the opportunity to fulfill your sexual desires.

“The jury didn’t believe you and you were convicted. To this day you deny these facts. She’s a brave young woman who stood up to you by standing up. I hope that with the support of her family she will be able to move on with her life.

“Previously, you worked as an auxiliary employee for several years. You suffered from periods of anxiety and depression and struggled with your gender identity throughout your life. I understand that as a transgender prisoner there will be issues that you will have to navigate during your very long sentence.

“You targeted a little girl for your own sexual gratification. The impact on her is indescribable. This has been repeatedly offensive behavior over time.”

Peers was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a lifetime restraining order, and will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.