Nicholas Ackroyd

Nicholas Ackroyd, a 54-year-old man from Bidston, Wirral, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, 17 October 2025, following a trial where he was found guilty of serious sexual offences. The court heard that in June 2023, Ackroyd committed assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault against a victim he had known for two years. The offences occurred inside the victim's flat in Wirral, where Ackroyd exploited her vulnerability, subjecting her to a degrading assault in her own home.

Ackroyd denied the charges, claiming that the victim had instigated the sexual contact, which forced her to endure the trauma of reliving the experience during the trial. The proceedings were delayed by six months after Ackroyd absconded on the first day of the trial in April 2025. Despite his flight, a jury convicted him earlier in October 2025 based on the evidence presented.

The judge imposed a six-year custodial sentence, taking into account Ackroyd's attempt to evade justice. Additionally, he was placed on the Sexual Offenders Register indefinitely and subjected to a 10-year restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim. Detective Constable Claire McDonald, who led the investigation for Merseyside Police, commended the victim's bravery, stating: 'It is due to her bravery and courage that we have reached this outcome. I hope Ackroyd now spends his time behind bars reflecting on his actions and the impact it has had on her.' McDonald further noted: 'Ackroyd took advantage of a vulnerable female and subjected her to a degrading serious sexual assault in her own home.'

This case underscores Merseyside Police's commitment to pursuing sex offenders, as highlighted in their official statement on the matter. The force emphasised thorough investigations and support for victims throughout the process.