DALE CRANSHAW ROCHDALE SEX OFFENDER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SHOCKING STREET ATTACKS

In a case that has shocked the community of Rochdale, Dale Cranshaw, aged 29, was found guilty of a series of disturbing sexual offences involving young girls in the area. The incidents, which spanned from October 2009 to January of this year, took place across several locations including Bury, Unsworth, Prestwich, and Whitefield. Cranshaw’s actions included flicking semen onto the clothing of unsuspecting young girls in public spaces, an act that caused distress and trauma to the victims and their families.

Cranshaw, a resident of Woodhouse Lane, Norden, Rochdale, appeared before Bolton Crown Court to face charges related to these offences. The court heard that he had previously pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault. The charges stemmed from five separate incidents where young girls discovered a sticky, white substance on their clothing after encounters with the defendant. The locations of these incidents included Bury, Unsworth, Prestwich, and Whitefield, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior over several months.

Prosecutors revealed that police investigations confirmed the substance was Cranshaw’s semen. It was reported that he had taken a roll-on deodorant, filled it with his semen, and then followed his victims in the street. During these pursuits, he would flick the semen onto their tights, blazers, and skirts, causing emotional distress and embarrassment. Several of the young girls were so upset upon returning home that they burst into tears after discovering the white liquid attached to their clothes, the court was told.

In addition to these sexual offences, Cranshaw also admitted to criminal damage. He confessed to smearing dog excrement on a car in Bury in September 2010, for which he received a 12-month conditional discharge. The court heard that this act was separate from his sexual misconduct but contributed to the overall picture of his criminal behavior.

Following his arrest, Cranshaw reportedly told police, “I need help,” indicating awareness of his problematic behavior. Despite the potential for a custodial sentence, the judge decided that a prison term was not in the best interest of the public. Instead, he was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes supervision and participation in sex offenders’ rehabilitation programs. The judge emphasized that this approach aimed to address the underlying issues and prevent future offending.

Cranshaw, dressed in a grey t-shirt during the court proceedings, showed some signs of remorse as he clasped his hands and expressed gratitude to the judge after the sentence was handed down. His defense lawyer, Austin Welch, argued that his client was deeply ashamed and remorseful, and that he suffered from “deep, underlying issues” that required psychological treatment. The court’s decision reflects a focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, in light of the circumstances and the defendant’s mental health needs.