ANDREW ERVIN FROM DROYLSDEN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN MANCHESTER

In December 2019, a woman who endured a decade-long struggle to see justice served finally saw her abuser, Andrew Ervin, sentenced to prison for his heinous crimes. The victim, who was just eight years old at the time of the abuse, recounted her harrowing experience and the long road she traveled to ensure her attacker faced the consequences of his actions.

Her ordeal began in the 1990s when Andrew Ervin, a man she knew as a family friend, was entrusted with caring for her while her mother was away. During this period, Ervin subjected her to sexual abuse, an experience she described as deeply traumatic. She was taken to a house that Ervin was renovating, where he forced her to watch a pornographic video. Following this, he coerced her into undressing and simulating sexual acts with him, mimicking what she saw on the tape. Ervin told her they would 'try again when she was older' and explicitly warned her not to tell anyone about what had happened.

Despite the severity of her suffering, the victim kept her secret for many years. It was only in 2018 that she decided to report the abuse to the police, breaking her silence after years of shame and fear. Her courage led to Ervin's arrest and subsequent trial. During the sentencing hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, Ervin, aged 57 and residing in Droylsden, denied all allegations. However, the jury found him guilty of three charges of indecent assault, leading to his imprisonment for six years. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register indefinitely.

Throughout the proceedings, the victim provided a heartfelt statement, revealing the profound and lasting impact of Ervin’s actions. She explained that she has suffered from depression and anxiety for over ten years, requiring regular medical attention. Her trust in others, especially men, has been severely damaged, and she expressed fears about her children being vulnerable to similar abuse. She also shared her struggles with confidence, describing how she bottled up her feelings out of shame and embarrassment.

Her testimony detailed the emotional toll of her experience, including the difficulty of discussing her trauma with strangers at the police station. She recounted her anxiety about attending court, driving herself because public transport exacerbated her condition, and her ongoing fears about giving evidence. Despite these challenges, she expressed relief that her abuser was finally held accountable.

During the sentencing, Judge John Potter addressed Ervin directly, condemning his actions. He stated, “You were entrusted to look after this child — instead, what you did was to sexually abuse her. You told her she wasn’t to tell anyone what you had done, and she remained silent until she confided in her friend, her brother, and other family members, including her mother. When she sought counselling, she was able to tell the police about your abuse, leading to your arrest in 2018. You lied during your police interview and again during the trial. The abuse, committed when you were three times her age, reveals you to be a determined paedophile who exploited and harmed a vulnerable child for your own perverted gratification. The harm inflicted is evident from her victim impact statement and her demeanour during her testimony. It is clear she remains traumatised by your actions, and you have shown no remorse for your conduct.”

Ervin’s muttered denial of the allegations as he was sentenced underscored the gravity of his crimes. The case has highlighted the importance of perseverance in seeking justice for victims of childhood abuse, and the court’s decision marks a significant step in addressing such heinous acts committed within the community of Droylsden and Manchester.