Southport man jailed for eight years for raping a woman in Ainsdale

A man from Southport has been jailed for eight years for raping a woman.

Adam Francis, 32, of Holmdale Ave, #Southport, denied the rape but was found guilty and sentenced today, Friday 7 March, at Liverpool Crown Court. He was also given a restraining order preventing him contacting the victim for life and made to sign the sex offenders list for life.

During his trial, the court heard how Francis had raped a woman in Ainsdale in the early hours of Sunday 5 May 2024. 

Following a complex investigation, detectives arrested Francis and he was later charged with the offence.

Detective Constable Chris Kingston said: “Francis, by pleading not guilty, has forced the victim to endure a trial going through the harrowing event all over again. However, it is thanks to her courage and bravery that he is now off our streets and facing eight years in prison.”

“Francis was found guilty after we were able to provide the evidence that showed he was guilty of this heinous crime.”

“Today’s result shows that violence against women and girls will simply not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.”

“We are committed to protecting victims of sexual offences, and anyone who reports an incident to us will be safeguarded and supported throughout the investigation by specially trained officers and Sexual Violence Advocates who will provide all the relevant support.”

“Anyone that has been a victim of a sexual offence, is concerned for the safety of someone they know or suspects someone to be engaging in this criminal activity, should come forward and speak to us.”

“We have a team of dedicated staff who will expertly and compassionately deal with your reports and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Anyone with information or wants to report a sexual offence is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, you can access specialist support services, which are free of charge and available to anyone. You do not need a referral or to have reported an incident to Merseyside Police before you access these specialist support services.

These services can support you in a variety of ways, including offering a confidential discussion if you are thinking of making a police report, but are unsure what that involves and would like to discuss it.

If you do decide to report to Merseyside Police, you will receive support throughout the investigation and court processes.

You can choose to make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre called Safe Place, or the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service, rather than coming directly to Merseyside Police.

With no police involvement, a specialist doctor at Safe Place can examine you to check that you are okay and look for DNA evidence, which they will store to support your case. This gives you the option of making a formal police report at a later time, if you choose to.

Support is also available in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, from Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

If you do not require immediate police assistance then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website here: Rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Merseyside Police

Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Victim Care Merseyside | Merseyside Police 

Alternatively, you can report a sexual offence by calling 101 or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.

We have recently launched our plan to tackle the issue of violence against women and girls and help women and girls to feel safe and be safe across Merseyside. The link can be found here: #TakingAction to end Violence Against Women and Girls | Merseyside Police