VICTIM DESCRIBES LONG-LASTING IMPACT OF ABUSE BY TWO MEN INCLUDING EX-BOYS' BRIGADE LEADER
Andrew Lord, aged 62, was convicted on four counts of sexual penetration involving a minor.He was linked to a case of assault by a former Boys' Brigade leader who committed abuse against a young boy.
Stewart Knowles, also 62, received justice after nearly two decades when his victim courageously shared the profound impact of the ordeal.
The survivor, a teenager during the abuse in the 2000s, revealed that he struggled with thoughts of suicide as a result.
According to Greater Manchester Police, Knowles was found guilty of 18 charges including both penetrative and non-penetrative sexual activities with a boy aged between 13 and 15.
At the time, Knowles served as Captain of the Boys' Brigade in Wigan, where his victim was a member of the organization.
Knowles was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Additionally, Andrew Lord, also 62, was convicted on four counts of sexual penetration.
Lord was involved in abusing the boy in a school store cupboard in Wigan and was not connected with the Boys' Brigade.
He received a sentence of seven years.
The victim submitted a heartfelt impact statement stating, "I am sharing this to describe how the childhood sexual abuse affected my life.
I was a child when abused by Stuart Knowles and Andrew Lord, and I lacked the understanding to prevent or comprehend what was happening.
The abuse instilled fear, shame, confusion, and distress." He further explained, "The actions of both abusers have left a lasting mark on me.
It harmed my emotional health, sense of security, and ability to trust others.
I have endured anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, and a loss of confidence.
The abuse disrupted my childhood, trust, and overall wellbeing.
Instead of feeling safe, I lived in fear and emotional pain." Both men, of Rylands Street, Wigan, and Vicarage Road, Orrell, respectively, were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on July 24.
The victim expressed that as he aged, the trauma persisted, leading to suicidal thoughts and affecting his mental health and relationships.
"The abuse changed how I see myself and the world, making it difficult to trust others or live without the burden of those memories.
The harm inflicted by both perpetrators is immeasurable and has continued to influence my life long after the abuse ended." He concluded: "I want the court to recognize that this was not a one-time event but a series of harms that continue to impact my emotional and mental wellbeing.
I am speaking honestly about my experience." After the sentencing, GMP's Detective Chief Inspector Lee Shaw acknowledged the victim’s resilience, saying, "We commend the survivor's strength in coming forward.
We hope these sentences help bring closure and justice.
Our officers are trained to support survivors and will continue working to ensure perpetrators are held accountable."
