Man jailed for raping and sexually abusing a child in Northwich.

A man has been jailed after he admitted raping and sexually abusing a child in Northwich.

Steven Hargreaves appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 12 September where he was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison.

The 36-year-old from Northwich, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

During the hearing, the court was told that the case began in June 2025 when the victims’ mother discovered a number of concerning messages from Hargreaves on the victims’ mobile phone.

After speaking to the victim, she revealed that Hargreaves had been sexually abusing and repeatedly raping her over a number of years.

The allegations were reported to detectives from the Public Protection Unit at Northwich and an investigation was launched.

Hargreaves was quickly arrested in relation to the incidents and during questioning he denied sexually abusing or raping the victim.

Despite his denial, he was later charged in relation to the offences, and as a result of the strength of the evidence against him, he pleaded guilty to the charges.

In addition to his prison sentence, Hargreaves was also handed a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a restraining order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Felicity Gregory, who led the investigation said:

“Firstly, I want to praise the victim for the bravery and courage that she has shown throughout this investigation.

“Nobody should have to experience what she has been through, and I hope that the sentence handed to Hargreaves today will provide her with some closure.

“I also hope that the sentence encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

“We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation we receive will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.

“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”

To report any sexual offence, call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/%20 .

In an emergency always call 999. Information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.