Waterloo Man Jailed for 19 Years After Being Found Guilty of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences
A 51-year-old man from Waterloo has been jailed for 19 years after being found guilty of committing multiple serious sexual offences against a woman.
Bernard Sullivan, who is from Waterloo but currently has no fixed address, was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court following a trial last month.
He was found guilty of six offences, including:
• Three counts of rape
• Two counts of assault by penetration
• One count of strangulation
On Monday 27 October 2026, Sullivan was sentenced to 19 years in prison. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and an indefinite restraining order was imposed preventing him from contacting his victim.
SURVIVOR SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE DEVASTATING IMPACT
In a powerful victim impact statement, the woman described the lasting emotional and psychological damage caused by Sullivan’s actions.
She said: “Sullivan stripped away the strong, confident person I used to be. I struggled to go out alone suffered nightmares. I was constantly nervous and anxious and frightened in my own community.”
“The effects of that continue to impact me, and I am still healing.”
“Despite everything, I have worked hard to rebuild my life. His actions changed my life, affected my mental health, damaged my confidence, and altered how I live day-to-day. I believe women will be safer with him no longer in the community.”
POLICE SAY SULLIVAN SHOWED NO REMORSE
Detective Constable Yvonne Worthington, who led the investigation, said: “Throughout the investigation Sullivan showed no remorse for the abuse he carried out and denied the offences put to him. Thankfully the jury saw though his lies and found him guilty.”
“We are committed to protecting victim-survivors, 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.”
SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Merseyside Police are reminding victims of rape and sexual assault that free, confidential specialist support is available.
Victims do not need to have reported an offence to the police to access these services.
Specialist organisations can provide emotional support, confidential advice and information about what happens if someone decides to make a formal police report.
Victims can also make an anonymous report through the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, known as Safe Place, or through an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor.
At Safe Place, a specialist doctor can carry out a medical examination and collect DNA evidence, which can be stored should the victim decide to report the offence to police at a later date.
This means victims can access help and preserve potential evidence without immediately involving the police.
LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside provides specialist support across Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.
☎️ RASA Merseyside: 0151 558 1801
The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside also provides services in St Helens and Knowsley.
☎️ 01925 221 546
☎️ 0330 363 0063
Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service.
HOW TO REPORT A SEXUAL OFFENCE
Anyone who has experienced sexual violence, is concerned about someone else’s safety or has information about sexual offences is encouraged to contact Merseyside Police.
☎️ Police non-emergency: 101
☎️ Crimestoppers anonymously: 0800 555 111
☎️ Emergency: 999
Reports of rape and sexual assault can also be made online through the Merseyside Police website.
MAKING WOMEN AND GIRLS FEEL SAFER
Merseyside Police have also launched a plan aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and improving safety across the region.
The force is encouraging women and girls who feel unsafe in public spaces to use the Home Office’s StreetSafe service.
StreetSafe allows people to anonymously report locations where they feel unsafe because of environmental issues such as poor street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism.
It can also be used to highlight concerning behaviour in public places, including being followed or verbally abused.
StreetSafe is not intended for reporting crimes or incidents, which should be reported directly to police.
Merseyside Police say they remain committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence and bringing offenders to justice.
If you do not require immediate police assistance then you can report rape and sexual assault via our website here:
Support is also available through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service: Home: Victim Care Merseyside
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: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2022/our-commitment-to-keeping-women-and-girls-safe-in-merseyside/our-approach/
Source: Merseyside Police, 28 October 2026.
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