Bexley child rapist Liam Ross has sentence increased to 15 years

A coach driver convicted of multiple sex offences against girls in Bexley has had his prison sentence increased. Liam Ross, 30, from Dartford, was originally jailed for 12 years but his sentence was extended to 15 years on 3 September. The Attorney General intervened to increase the sentence following a referral by Ellie Reeves MP.

Convictions and Sentence Details

Ross was convicted by a jury of ten sex offences against girls in Bexley. These included the rape of a 12-year-old and the rape and sexual assault of another schoolgirl who was 16. He was also found guilty of offences relating to indecent images of children discovered on his mobile phone. The offences occurred in May 2025.

During sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Ruth Downing described the case as "difficult and rather disturbing". Ross had claimed he believed the 12-year-old girl was old enough to consent, but rape of a child under 13 is a strict liability offence, meaning the defendant's belief about age or consent is not a factor. The judge noted Ross had pursued "lawful but inappropriate" relationships with schoolgirls over the age of consent and had continued contact despite a police warning about his relationship with one 16-year-old.

Ellie Reeves MP stated that Ross is a "sexual predator" and welcomed the increased sentence. She added that violence against women and girls is a "national epidemic" and that she would continue to push for sentences reflecting the severity of such crimes.

What Happens Next

Ross's sentence now stands at 15 years imprisonment with an additional one-year extended licence period. The increase in sentence was confirmed following the Attorney General's intervention. The court also noted that Ross worked as a coach driver, though his offending was not connected to his employment.