A 39-year-old man has received an immediate custodial sentence of 11 years at Liverpool Crown Court after being found guilty of rape, controlling or coercive behaviour, and witness intimidation involving a woman in Wirral.
Stephen David Beattie, of no fixed abode, appeared in the dock for sentence on Monday 2 November 2026 after jurors convicted him following a contested Crown Court trial.
The court heard that Beattie carried out a sustained campaign of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse against the female victim over a five-year period spanning between 2020 and 2025. In addition to serious sexual violence, Beattie subjected the woman to systematic coercive control and subsequently sought to intimidate her during proceedings.
In an extract from her Victim Personal Statement read before the court, the survivor outlined the enduring trauma caused by Beattie’s actions:
“What happened to me has affected every part of my life and I still struggle with it every day. I find it very difficult to sleep. When I do fall asleep, I often have nightmares about Stephen. In those dreams he is chasing me and I can’t get away from him. Although I am dealing with the impact of everything that happened, I take some comfort in knowing that Stephen does not currently have the opportunity to control me, isolate me or take away my freedom again. Being free from that control has allowed me to begin rebuilding my life, but the effects of his actions remain with me every day.”
Detective Constable Patrick Shaw, of Merseyside Police, said:
“Beattie is a dangerous offender who committed serious offences against a woman over several years. It’s only right that he now faces a lengthy prison sentence and I sincerely hope this brings some comfort to the victim. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, please be assured that we have specially trained officers to guide you through the process.”
Following trial deliberations, Beattie was convicted of:
One count of rape
One count of engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour
One count of witness intimidation
Under the provisions of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, the survivor is protected by mandatory, lifelong statutory anonymity. Any publication, broadcast, or public dissemination of information capable of leading to her identification is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Sentencing Beattie, the presiding judge ordered him to serve an immediate prison term of 11 years.
The court also made Beattie subject to statutory notification requirements on the Sex Offenders Register.
Image – Offender Custody Photograph
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