DUNCAN MCGEE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN MANCHESTER AND LIVERPOOL: 25-YEAR SENTENCE UPHELD

In a case that has spanned decades and involved heinous crimes against vulnerable children, Duncan Peter McGee, aged 76, faced a decisive rejection of his appeal against a lengthy prison sentence. Originally convicted of multiple sex offenses committed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, McGee’s crimes took place while he was residing in south Manchester, but his criminal activities extended to Liverpool, where he later moved and was eventually apprehended.

McGee was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of 17 counts of rape and indecent assault at Manchester Crown Court. His victims included two boys and one girl, all of whom were subjected to repeated sexual assaults by the predator. The assaults on the girl were particularly violent and domineering, with McGee attacking her on more than one occasion. The full extent of his abuse only came to light many years after the crimes were committed, highlighting the long-lasting impact on the victims.

The court heard that McGee’s offending spanned from 1967 to 1974, during which he targeted and victimized children in south Manchester. Despite the passage of time, the trauma inflicted on these young victims has been described as profound and lifelong, according to the appeal judge, Mr Justice Bean.

In January of the same year, McGee was convicted and sentenced to 25 years behind bars. His legal team challenged the length of this sentence, arguing that it was excessively long given his age and the fact that he might not survive the full term. They pointed out that even a 20-year sentence would mean he would remain incarcerated until he was 86, which could be more manageable considering his age.

However, the three senior judges presiding over the appeal—Mr Justice Bean, Lady Justice Macur, and Mr Justice Spencer—upheld the original sentence. Mr Justice Bean emphasized that the severity of the crimes and their impact on the victims justified the lengthy term. He stated, “It is too easy in this court to overlook the details of the facts in a case of this kind and the impact which they have. Although the defendant is an old man, we do not consider that age can be anything like a determinative factor in a case of this kind. Even when imposed on a man of the age of 76, we do not consider the total sentences of 25 years were manifestly excessive, nor indeed excessive at all.”

The appeal was consequently dismissed, reaffirming the court’s stance on the gravity of McGee’s crimes and the need for justice to be served.

Detective Sergeant Suzanne Keenaghan, based at Wythenshawe police station, provided insight into the case, describing McGee as a “sexual predator” who derived pleasure from abusing vulnerable children. She highlighted that McGee’s actions caused significant suffering and that his victims demonstrated remarkable bravery in coming forward to report the abuse. Keenaghan also emphasized the importance of thorough investigations, stating, “This case proves that we will take all reports of abuse seriously, no matter when it took place, and we will thoroughly investigate the claims of victims. It also proves to those committing the crimes that we will leave no stone unturned and justice will eventually catch up with you.”

As part of his sentence, Duncan McGee is required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and restrictions. His case remains a stark reminder of the long-lasting scars inflicted by sexual abuse and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement agencies in the UK.