GARRY LAYFIELD OF KIRKHOLST ROCHDALE JAILED FOR YEARS OF HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE

In a case that has shocked the community of Kirkholt in Rochdale, a man named Garry Layfield has been sentenced to prison for subjecting a young girl to years of sexual abuse. The abuse began in 1975, when the victim was just a child, and continued over a span of five years, leaving deep scars that would last a lifetime.

According to court testimonies, the victim vividly recalls each incident of abuse inflicted by Layfield. She described him as often being violent and threatening during these episodes, which added a layer of fear and trauma to her suffering. One particularly distressing moment was so severe that it caused her to vomit, highlighting the brutality of the abuse she endured.

It was only decades later, in 2011, that the victim found the courage to confide in her daughter about the horrific experiences she had kept hidden for so long. This disclosure prompted a police investigation into the matter. When officers arrived at Layfield's residence on Great Gates Road in Kirkholt to arrest him on suspicion of rape, he responded with disbelief, saying, “Rape? I haven’t even been out,” showing a lack of remorse or understanding of the gravity of his actions.

On the day of sentencing, Layfield, aged 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault during proceedings at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

The judge also imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which places various restrictions on Layfield after his release from prison. These measures are designed to prevent any further harm and to protect the community from potential reoffending.

Detective Constable Lesley Nolan-Brennan expressed her thoughts on the case, emphasizing the severity of Layfield’s violent and aggressive conduct. She stated, “Such was the violent and aggressive manner of Layfield’s offending, the victim vividly remembers each of the occasions she was attacked. He robbed her of her innocence, manipulated her and has scarred her for life.”

She also praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward, noting, “I would like to pay tribute for the courage and determination that the victim has shown in coming forward to the police, and I hope that this outcome sends a strong message to other victims out there of historic abuse.”

Detective Nolan-Brennan highlighted the importance of justice for victims of past abuse, acknowledging that many often feel compelled to suppress their experiences. She added, “I understand that victims often feel that the easiest thing to do is simply try and forget about the past and keep their experiences bottled up. But you can never really shake off what has happened, while the person who carries out this offending often lives a normal, free life. Bringing that person to justice is often the only way for victims to truly move on.”

She reaffirmed the commitment of Greater Manchester Police to thoroughly investigate all reports of historic abuse, ensuring that victims are supported and that justice is served, no matter how long ago the crimes occurred.