JOHN AHERN

A man who subjected two boys to abuse and manipulation during the 1980s and 1990s has been sentenced to 19 years in prison, following a police investigation by Greater Manchester Police.

John Ahern, born on April 12, 1952, and living on St Anne Street in Birkenhead, began offending against the boys while they were still children.

During a court session at Manchester Crown Square last Friday, September 5, Ahern was convicted of eight counts of indecent assault and one count of buggery.

The court was told that these offences happened over two periods—initially between 1985 and 1991, and later from 1995 to 1997.

The abuse occurred in multiple locations including private residences and public areas, covering regions such as Manchester, Bolton, and Tameside.

Ahern tried to establish trust by talking about music or taking the boys on trips, but his intentions soon turned abusive.

Ahern refused to show remorse and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

The investigation was triggered when, in March 2019, one of the victims bravely went to police, leading to the second victim also coming forward.

Following detailed interviews over several months, Ahern denied the allegations.

After completing a complex investigation, authorities secured charges and sent them to the CPS.

The case was delayed by procedural issues until the trial finally began earlier this year.