JAMES RIDYARD FROM KEARSLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF GIRLS IN BOLTON

In December 2008, a man identified as James Ridyard was sentenced to an indefinite period of imprisonment for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed against young girls. The court proceedings took place at Bolton Crown Court, where Ridyard, aged 48, was handed a sentence that requires him to serve a minimum of two and a half years before being eligible for parole. Although he currently has no fixed address, it is known that he previously resided in Kearsley, a town in Greater Manchester.

Ridyard pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including four counts of causing a child to view indecent images, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, three counts of sexual assault on a child, and one count of possessing indecent images of children. These charges stem from his disturbing actions involving five young victims, whose ages ranged from six to twelve at the time of the abuse.

According to court reports, Ridyard systematically exploited the trust of these young girls. He would frequently show them indecent photographs of himself, instructing them not to disclose what they had seen. In one particularly troubling incident, he sent explicit images to one girl’s mobile phone, which she promptly deleted to avoid detection. His abuse extended further, as he forced two of the ten-year-old girls to touch him inappropriately and compelled them to watch a sexual act. The abuse culminated in Ridyard sexually assaulting one of the victims.

The case came to light when one of the girls, having been subjected to Ridyard’s manipulative and abusive behavior, decided to confide in an adult. This brave act prompted the authorities to become involved, leading to an investigation by police. Detective Constable Rick Barratt of Astley Bridge CID commented on the case, emphasizing the betrayal of trust by Ridyard: “Ridyard gained the trust of the children and completely abused this. These girls should be enjoying their childhood but instead they will have the memories of what Ridyard put them through.”

He further praised the courage of the victims, noting that one girl’s decision to speak out encouraged the others to do the same. “One of the girls had enough courage to go against Ridyard and tell an adult what he had shown them. This encouraged the two other victims to talk about what had happened. Through this bravery Ridyard has today had to face the consequences of his actions,” Barratt stated.

The police urge anyone who has experienced similar abuse to come forward and report it. They assured the public that all reports are taken very seriously and handled with sensitivity by specially trained officers, aiming to protect victims and bring offenders like Ridyard to justice.