ANTHONY BARE FROM DROYLSDEN SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND ABUSING 10-YEAR-OLD CLIENT'S DAUGHTER IN MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Droylsden and the wider Manchester area, Anthony Bare, a 48-year-old solicitor, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for grooming and abusing a young girl. The offences took place over a period starting in 2001, when the girl was just 10 years old, and continued until she was 12.

Anthony Bare, who resides on Lumb Lane in Droylsden, initially established a relationship with the girl through his professional connection with her mother, who sought legal advice regarding a compensation claim. During this period, Bare began to buy the girl expensive gifts and shower her with attention, actions that appeared to be aimed at ingratiating himself with her and her family. He even encouraged her to call him 'dad,' further blurring the boundaries of appropriate conduct.

As the girl grew older, Bare's inappropriate behavior escalated. The court heard that he assaulted her twice—first during a trip to McDonald's in his Honda S2000 sports car, and later at his office. These assaults occurred when the girl was 12, and the incidents were part of a pattern of grooming that aimed to manipulate her emotionally and sexually.

Judge Andrew Lowcock, presiding over the case at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, condemned Bare's actions, dismissing his claims that the girl had encouraged his advances as 'nonsense.' The judge emphasized that Bare had deliberately sought to exploit the girl's vulnerability, noting that he had 'wormed his way into the affections of this family.'

Judge Lowcock stated, 'Your interest in this family was centred not around your client but around your intended victim. She was an impressionable 12-year-old girl without a father figure.' The judge further described how Bare sought to dazzle her with his expensive car and lifestyle, effectively grooming her for abuse.

Referring to Bare's defense, which claimed that the girl had encouraged the sexual attention, Judge Lowcock firmly rejected this notion, asserting, 'The idea she encouraged you touching her and that she led you on is clearly nonsense.'

During the proceedings, Bare's defense counsel, Suzanne Goddard, expressed that the case had been 'a great shock' to her client and indicated that Bare fully expected to be struck off the solicitors' register. As part of his sentence, Bare was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register and was banned from working with children for the rest of his life.

This case highlights the importance of vigilance and safeguarding in professional and personal relationships, especially when dealing with vulnerable minors. The community of Droylsden and the wider Manchester area will undoubtedly be affected by the revelations of this disturbing case.