GRAHAM WINSTANLEY FROM APPLEY BRIDGE SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN WIGAN

In a case that has shocked the local community of Wigan, Graham Winstanley, a 54-year-old man from Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, has been handed a substantial prison sentence of 14 years after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving children. The sentencing took place at Bolton Crown Court, where Winstanley was found guilty of nine counts related to sexual assault and abuse against two young victims aged between 11 and 15 years old.

Winstanley's trial concluded in late November, with a jury returning a verdict of guilty on all charges after he initially pleaded not guilty to eleven counts. Following the court proceedings, two charges were dropped, but the remaining nine were upheld, leading to his conviction. During the hearing, Winstanley displayed a disturbing lack of remorse, laughing and grinning multiple times from the dock, which drew attention from those present.

The charges against him included two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, three counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, one count of assault of a child under 12 by penetration, and three counts of sexual activity with a child. The court heard harrowing details of how Winstanley systematically groomed his victims over several years, using alcohol as a tool to gain their trust before subjecting them to sexual acts.

One of the victims, who chose to remain anonymous, bravely addressed the court and the defendant, sharing the profound and lasting impact of his actions on her life. Tears streamed down her face as she recounted her feelings of guilt and confusion, explaining how she struggled to understand her emotions during her childhood and into adulthood. She expressed her pain, saying, “I have felt so much guilt. Before I could even establish what I was guilty about. As I got older I started to feel guilt about overreacting, I thought much worse is happening to other people every day. I didn’t have the right to feel so low… so dirty.”

She also revealed her internal conflict, stating, “A big part of me wanted to tell people what you had done… your family did not deserve to feel their grief. I feel guilt and grief and shame. You will have to live with the knowledge of what you have done for the rest of your life. Us, on the other hand, we are free.”

Judge Timothy Stead, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity and duration of Winstanley's offending, noting that the abuse spanned from 2007 to 2013. He described Winstanley as a “predatory sex offender,” highlighting the manipulative tactics he employed to conceal his actions. The judge pointed out that Winstanley engaged in grooming activities and used various devices to hide his misconduct from others.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Stead made it clear that the defendant’s actions had a lasting impact on his victims and that his criminal behavior was both calculated and sustained over several years. As part of his punishment, Winstanley was ordered to serve a total of 14 years in prison and to be registered on the sexual offenders register for the remainder of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct after his release. The case has left a deep scar on the community of Wigan, particularly in Appley Bridge, where Winstanley resided, and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals.