JASON HARPER FROM BURNAGE SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL ABUSE IN MANCHESTER

In January 2009, Jason Harper, aged 32 and residing in Burnage, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a younger boy he met through the Boys’ Brigade in Manchester. Harper was described as having 'corrupted and domineered' his victim over several years, using violence to enforce his sexual demands. The young boy, who 'lived in awe' of Harper, was severely affected by the abuse for years afterward, only reporting the crimes to police more than a decade later.

Judge Michael Henshell at Manchester Crown Court stated: 'He was small and vulnerable and you were powerful and domineering and you betrayed his friendship in order to satisfy yourself.' The judge confirmed that the offenses took place while Harper was both cultivating and developing a sexual relationship with the boy, accompanied by violence. Harper's connection with the victim began when they were both members of a Manchester branch of the Boys’ Brigade.

The court emphasized that no blame should be attributed to the Boys’ Brigade organization itself, saying, 'Nobody in the Boys’ Brigade could be blamed in the slightest.' However, it was clear Harper's misconduct involved physical abuse—using objects like a hospital crutch, a dog lead, and a bicycle chain—and coercing the boy into sexual acts. The prosecution, represented by Aleric Bassano, revealed that Harper carried out 'years of systematic abuse' and that the victim once attempted to take his own life with an overdose.

Harper was convicted of 18 sexual offenses against the boy. Although he was found not guilty of assaulting two other boys, he had previously been convicted for his crimes.

Alongside the prison sentence, Harper received additional penalties including a lifetime order to register as a sex offender, disqualification from working with children, and the implementation of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Andy Bromley from West Didsbury CID commented: 'Harper is a dangerous sex offender who repeatedly abused his victim.' He added, 'Harper befriended the victim before belittling and bullying him. The victim was a lot younger, weaker, and more naive than Harper, and he took full advantage of this to satisfy his sexual desires.' Detective Bromley praised the victim’s bravery, saying: 'I would like to praise his courage at coming forward and helping to bring Harper to justice.' Finally, he urged any other potential victims to come forward and speak to the police.