GARY HEALEY OF TYLDESLEY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL ABUSE OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Tyldesley in Greater Manchester, Gary Healey, aged 61, was found guilty of repeatedly sexually assaulting a young girl over the course of a year. The offences began when the girl was just 11 years old, with Healey attempting to initiate physical contact by trying to kiss her. This initial act was followed by him taking her to her aunt and uncle’s home, where the grooming and abuse continued to escalate.

Prosecutor Charlotte Johnson detailed the horrifying sequence of events during the trial at Manchester Crown Court. She explained that as time progressed, Healey’s inappropriate behavior intensified from mere kissing to more invasive acts. When the girl was around 12, Healey allegedly instructed her to get into the rear of his van. She was reportedly frightened but complied with his commands.

Once inside the van, Healey ordered the girl to sit on a box in the back. He then removed his trousers and underpants, and demanded she remove her own pants, threatening that he would do it for her if she refused. The court heard that the girl was described as feeling “silent, scared and feeling sick” as Healey touched her chest. The abuse culminated in Healey raping the girl, during which he allegedly told her she liked it and urged her not to be shy.

As the victim grew older, Healey’s predatory behavior persisted. After she turned 14, he attempted to sexually assault her again, but this time she resisted. When he urged her to continue, she refused, to which Healey responded dismissively, saying, “Well, you like it.” Despite her resistance, he continued to pester her, claiming, “You won’t even let me kiss you on the cheek, I love you to pieces, I’ll never hurt you.”

The horrifying details only came to light after the girl confided in her friends about the abuse she had endured. Following the conviction, Healey was sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexual assault and rape. He is required to serve a minimum of nine years and four months before being eligible for release on licence. Additionally, he was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect for 15 years, and he is mandated to register as a sex offender indefinitely.

During sentencing, Judge Rachel Smith described Healey’s conduct as domineering and coercive, referencing a recorded conversation played during the trial that revealed the true nature of his interactions with the girl. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes and the impact on the victim, underscoring the importance of ongoing restrictions and monitoring to protect the community from further harm.