POLICE have praised a child following the sentencing of her abuser.
Daniel Peters was handed a 24-month prison sentence suspended for two years after admitting to sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
Known to the victim’s family, 35-year-old Peters assaulted the child on two occasions, including once while on a log flume ride at Gulliver’s World in Warrington.
Following the sentencing at Chester Crown Court on Friday (July 19), Detective Constable Kelly Mankee of Northwich CID said: “The victim’s family truly believed that they could trust Peters, he was a longtime family friend, a former special constable and, also the father to a young child himself.
“The group socialised on a regular basis and both children used to sleepover at each other’s houses.
“Yet, unbeknown to them, the real reason behind his interest was to fulfil his own sexual gratification.
“He totally abused his position of trust and his actions have had devastating consequences for the victim and her family.
“I want to praise her for the courage and bravery she has shown throughout this investigation, and I hope that the fact that Peters has now been sentenced and held accountable for his actions will provide them with some closure.”
Peters first assaulted the girl whilst driving her to his former home in Northwich for a sleepover with his daughter in May 2020.
Later that month, he grabbed her from behind and inappropriately touched her whilst on a log flume ride at Gulliver’s World.
His actions caused the victim to lose her hair, left her struggling to sleep and, in March 2023, resulted in her running away from home.
It was at this point that Peters’ actions came to light, with the victim’s mother discovering a number of messages on her mobile phone.
Following the discovery, the victim spoke out about what had taken place.
Peters, now of Hermitage Street in Rishton, was arrested and made a full admission to the offences.
He returned to Chester Crown Court on Friday where he was handed the suspended prison sentence.
As part of this he must complete 35 days of rehabilitation activity, a Horizon-accredited programme, and 180 hours of unpaid work.
Peters has also been handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register.
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