JOHN TRAVIS FROM ROYTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE IN GREATER MANCHESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community of Royton and the wider Greater Manchester area, John Travis, a 63-year-old former police officer, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl.

Travis, who resided on Turf Lane in Royton, was found guilty following a comprehensive trial of two counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency with a child. The crimes spanned several years, with police establishing that the abuse began in the early 1980s when the victim was just 11 years old.

The court heard that Travis, who retired from the Greater Manchester Police in 1997, used his position and influence to manipulate and control his young victim. The severity of his actions and the betrayal of trust placed in him as a former law enforcement officer have been widely condemned.

Sentencing took place at Minshull Street Crown Court, where Travis was handed a sentence of 17 years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Detective Constable Lucy Shaw provided a statement emphasizing the impact of Travis’s actions. She said, “Right from the beginning, Travis physically and mentally controlled the victim and took advantage of her age. When she told her family about the abuse, Travis was confronted but he denied everything, claiming the victim had fabricated the story and was a trouble-maker.”

She further highlighted the courage of the victim, stating, “Thankfully, as she got older, she realized she would not let him get away with what he had done and reported the crimes to police. Her bravery has ensured we have been able to investigate this fully and finally brought Travis to justice for the appalling acts he committed on a young girl. He has had a devastating effect on her life, causing irreparable damage.”

The case underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and the justice system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims, regardless of the passage of time or the position of the offender.