Man who tried to rape two-year-old girl jailed for 14 years

The man also pleaded guilty to other sexual offences

Liverpool Crown Court (Google )

A man who tried to rape a toddler and sexually assaulted two other children has been jailed for 14 years.

Michael Fletcher, who has been described as having mild learning difficulties, admitted trying to rape a two-year-old girl.

He also admitted raping an eight-year-old boy and sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl.

The offences were committed between 2007 and 2015.

Fletcher, described as a “dangerous offender” by the judge, must serve two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole.

He will also be put on license for a further eight years and must sign on to the Sex Offenders Register for life.

In addition, he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Behaviour Order indefinately.

“Your offending is extremely serious," said Judge Andrew Hatton at Liverpool Crown Court, the Liverpool Echo reported.

Trevor Parry-Jones, prosecuting, said that while Fletcher had made initial denials about the accusations, he later went on to admit the offences.

Mr Jones said that the attempted rape of a toddler was discovered after the girl complained of pain to her mother and told her what had occurred.

The court was told that the toddler now displays a different personality to before the attack. She is reportedly now behaving in a sexualised manner, in addition to being withdrawn and wary of men.

It was only when Fletcher was investigated for the attempted rape of the toddler that his other crimes were discovered, the court was told.

Fletcher, who has a three year-old son but is no longer with the mother, was living in a residential centre in Pemberton, Wigan when the crimes were discovered, Wigan Today reported.

“He utterly struggles to articulate his thoughts and feelings,” said David Morton, defending, adding that Fletcher had no previous convictions.

“He knew it was wrong but was unable to express himself why he had allowed his behaviour to progress into criminality.