Woman 'Evil To The Core' Jailed For Letting Partner Rape Two Girls

A 55-year-old woman from St Helens who permitted her paedophile partner to rape two young girls has been jailed for 14 years, with a judge declaring her crimes an "inexcusable failure and absolute betrayal". Paula Lister, of Creswell Street, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday after a jury convicted her on two charges of child cruelty, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands. The court heard that Lister was the partner of Melvin Miller, who was previously sentenced to 16 years in prison for the sexual abuse of two girls, the youngest of whom was just six years old.

The offences took place over approximately two and a half years, with Miller, 51, recording much of the abuse on video. In one deeply disturbing clip, Lister could be seen in the background while one of the girls performed a sex act on her boyfriend. Miller, formerly of St Helens and now of Mountsfield in Frome, Somerset, subsequently pleaded guilty to a string of offences after police discovered more than 250,000 indecent images of children — the largest collection one officer had ever encountered.

Prosecutor Nicholas Williams read victim statements to the court on behalf of both girls. One wrote: "As much as I work on myself, I believe I will never truly forget my trauma or fully forgive those who inflicted them upon me." The second complainant declared: "Paula has destroyed my trust in anyone, and she's ruined my childhood. I think Paula is a disgusting person and I hope she gets the punishment she deserves, as she's ruined my life."

The mother of one victim addressed Lister directly from the witness box, telling the court: "You're a monster in its truest form, evil to the core, a predator and cruel. You snatched away part of two little girls' childhoods and innocence, which they can never get back. You've shown no remorse for your actions. The tears you've shed in court were not for either of the girls, but for yourself."

She added: "The day I received that knock at the door from the police, our world fell apart. We no longer trust anyone, and how could we? Yet we navigated this in a bid to get justice for those two little girls. She will never be your victim. She's a warrior and a survivor with a beautiful future ahead of her. At last, we might now sleep sound at night, knowing justice has been served."

Sentencing Lister, Judge Neil Flewitt KC stated: "I cannot imagine a worse case of child cruelty. Whatever the reason, what you did was inexcusable and has caused terrible harm to both of your victims. I have no doubt that both girls have suffered serious psychological, developmental and emotional harm. You have shown no remorse for your offending. I am satisfied that you were not coerced by Melvin Miller in any way."

The court heard that Lister had no prior criminal record. Her barrister, Paul Becker, told the court: "Following convictions by a jury, there is a limit to what I can usefully say on behalf of the defendant. This will be her first time in custody. Your honour heard during the trial the poor health that the defendant suffers from. Although it is a very serious offence of its kind that warrants substantial imprisonment, I would ask you to bear in mind the mitigation and documents provided."

Judge Flewitt acknowledged Lister's adverse childhood experiences and health conditions, including COPD, sleep apnoea and PTSD, but said these factors held "some but very limited value as mitigation". Lister, who appeared via video link from HMP Styal wearing a black top and spectacles, shook her head and placed her hand over her face moments before the sentence was handed down.

The ECHO previously reported that Miller's abuse came to light when one of his victims confided in a friend, who then told a teacher at her school. This led to police discovering the vast collection of indecent images, including footage showing him raping the girls. One clip showed him offering one youngster a doughnut and chocolate as a "bonus". At the close of proceedings, Judge Flewitt paid tribute to the police officers involved, stating: "They should be proud of their work. It was that work that brought Paula Lister to justice."

The case highlights the critical importance of vigilance in protecting children from sexual abuse, particularly within domestic settings where trusted adults may enable predators. It also underscores the courage required for victims and their families to speak out and pursue justice through the courts. Lister's 14-year sentence reflects the gravity with which the judiciary treats child cruelty and the betrayal of a parent's duty of care. Daily Dazzling Dawn understands that both victims continue to rebuild their lives, with one mother describing her daughter as "a warrior and a survivor with a beautiful future ahead of her".