DEREK ATKINSON'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN HINDLEY AND WIGAN: SCHOOLGIRL ABUSE SHOCKS GREATER MANCHESTER

In August 2010, a disturbing case of child sexual abuse came to light involving Derek Atkinson, a 61-year-old man whose heinous actions have left a lasting scar on the community of Hindley and Wigan in Greater Manchester. The man, currently incarcerated at HMP Forest Bank, was found guilty of multiple serious offences related to the exploitation of young girls, including sexual assault and indecency with minors.

The criminal activities reportedly began in 2001 at Atkinson's residence in Hindley, Wigan. According to police reports, he initially befriended a 13-year-old girl, gaining her trust before subjecting her to sexual abuse. Over time, his predatory behavior extended to a group of local schoolgirls, whom he lured to his home under false pretenses. The details of his manipulative tactics and the extent of his abuse have shocked the local community and authorities alike.

Atkinson was brought before Liverpool Crown Court, where he was sentenced to nine years in prison on a Wednesday. His admission to 18 separate offences included sexual assault on a female under the age of 16, along with four counts of indecency with a child. In addition to these, he also pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16 and ten counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a minor. The court also ordered him to register as a sex offender for life and imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for a period of ten years.

The investigation was initiated after one of the victims confided in a police officer stationed at her school, which led to the arrest of Atkinson in December 2009. As the inquiry progressed, six more girls aged between 12 and 14 years old came forward, revealing the extent of Atkinson's predatory behavior. Detective Constable Rob Kitchen, who led the investigation, stated, “Atkinson invited these children to his home and sexually abused them. I would like to praise the bravery of one of these girls who had the courage to not keep it to herself but confide in a police officer based at her local school. Because of that, we were able to launch an investigation and it was quickly apparent Atkinson had abused a number of children.”

The case underscores the importance of having dedicated school-based police officers and trusted teachers who can serve as a safeguard for vulnerable students. The community and law enforcement hope that this conviction will serve as a warning to others and bring some measure of justice to the victims affected by Derek Atkinson’s actions.