CRAIG BERRY FROM HINDLEY AND WORSLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST WIGAN TEENAGER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Hindley and Worsley, Craig Berry, a 43-year-old man, has been convicted of serious sexual offenses involving a teenage girl from Wigan. The incidents took place over several months, with Berry’s actions culminating in a court trial at Bolton Crown Court, where he was ultimately sentenced to serve a significant prison term.

Berry, who was originally from Hindley but later resided on Lindale Road in Worsley, faced multiple charges related to sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl. The trial, which was initially scheduled to last four days, extended to seven due to the complexity of the case and the number of charges involved. The jury found Berry guilty of two counts of sexual assault—one by unanimous verdict and the other by majority decision—while they were unable to reach a consensus on two additional charges, resulting in a hung jury on those counts.

During the proceedings, the court heard that Berry had persistently denied the allegations, even as evidence mounted against him. The victim, a young teenager, displayed remarkable bravery by confiding in a school friend the day after the assault, revealing that she had been victimized. She later disclosed the abuse to a teacher, prompting immediate intervention from social services and law enforcement authorities. The police swiftly arrested Berry following the reports, but he continued to deny the charges during police interviews, forcing the victim to give evidence in court against him.

Judge Richard Gioserano presided over the case and delivered a stern sentence, condemning Berry for his lack of remorse and for the psychological harm inflicted upon the young girl. The judge emphasized that Berry’s refusal to admit his guilt and his denial of the offenses had compounded the trauma experienced by the victim, who was present in court with her family to witness the proceedings. The judge stated that Berry, who is a father, had shown “not even a jot of remorse” and that his actions had left the victim “emotionally scarred for life.”

Berry was sentenced to three years in prison for the sexual offenses, with an additional six months for breaching a restraining order related to the same case. The court ordered that he serve half of his sentence behind bars, with the remainder to be served on license. Furthermore, Berry is required to register as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes.

In the courtroom, the young victim sat behind a screen, shielding herself from Berry, whom she had not seen since speaking out. Berry, dressed in a blue jumper, showed no reaction to the verdict, merely nodding to confirm his identity and staring straight ahead as he was taken away by security. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable young people from predators. The case continues to resonate as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by minors and the necessity of justice for victims of sexual abuse.