A rapist coach driver who claimed he didn’t know a 12-year-old girl was underage when he paid her for sex had his “lenient” prison sentence increased.
Liam Ross, 30, from Dartford, was convicted of ten sex offences against girls in Bexley, including the rape of a 12-year-old.
He was initially jailed for 12 years, but on Thursday (September 3) his sentence was increased to 15 years with a one-year extended licence period after intervention by the Attorney General.
Ellie Reeves MP said: “Liam Ross is a sexual predator who exploited and raped two young girls. I welcome the court’s decision to increase his sentence following my referral.”
In March, this paper reported on Ross’ sentencing hearing at Woolwich Crown Court.
Ross claimed he believed the girl was old enough to consent, but rape of a child under 13 is a strict liability offence meaning the defendant’s belief about the child's age or her consent does not factor in.
Judge Ruth Downing said she accepted Ross’ claim that he believed the girl was older, stating that she thought the same when she saw the victim.
Ross was also found guilty by a jury of the rape and sexual assault of another schoolgirl who was 16.
Judge Downing described it as a “difficult and rather disturbing” case, as Ross had pursued “lawful but inappropriate” relationships with schoolgirls who were over the age of consent.
He had received a letter from the police warning that his relationship with one 16-year-old girl put him at risk of criminal behaviour, but he continued undeterred.
Whilst the sexual relationship with the 16-year-old girl had been consensual at one point, Judge Downing said, Ross later raped and sexually assaulted her when she was unconscious after consuming alcohol.
When police arrested Ross, indecent images of children and video recordings of some of the offences committed May 2025 were found on his mobile phone.
Ross had been a coach driver who frequently drove schoolchildren – though his offending was said to have no connection to his work.
A pre-sentence report described elements of predatory and reckless behaviour in Ross’ personality, though Judge Downing said she disagreed with much of the report.
Judge Downing said she was confident that Ross would realise the “utter folly” of pursuing sexual relationships with 16-year-old girls.
She said: “This might send a message to those who think sailing close to the wind, being risky, is something they might like to do.”
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Ellie Reeves MP said: “My thoughts are with the victims who have shown courage and bravery in coming forward.
“Violence against women and girls is a national epidemic, and stopping it remains my number one priority as Attorney General. I will continue to push for sentences that reflect the severity of these crimes.”
Ross was convicted of:
- One count of rape of a child under 13
- One count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration
- One count of paying for sexual services of a child
- One count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- One count of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child
- One count of rape
- One count of sexual assault
- Two counts of taking indecent photographs of a child
- Three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.
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