MALCOLM HICKS FROM ASTLEY BRIDGE AND TONGE FOLD SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN BOLTON

In a disturbing series of events that have shocked the Bolton community, Malcolm Hicks, a caretaker with ties to Astley Bridge and Tonge Fold, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous acts of child sexual abuse. The allegations against Hicks span over a year, during which he exploited his position and trust to prey on vulnerable young girls.

It was revealed that Hicks, who was employed as a caretaker at Crompton Health Centre, used his role to gain access to children, often inviting them to his home in Tonge Fold during school holidays and weekends. His residence became a place where he allowed young girls as young as nine to stay overnight, engaging them in activities such as watching horror films, baking cakes, and staying up late into the night. These seemingly innocent activities masked his sinister intentions.

The court heard that Hicks took the girls on trips to popular seaside destinations like Blackpool and Southport, further establishing a false sense of trust and friendship. During these outings, he also gave one of the girls a smartphone, which was part of his grooming process. The abuse occurred at his home on Hengist Street, where he inappropriately touched the young girls, exploiting their innocence for his own sexual gratification.

Malcolm Hicks, aged 51, was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault involving a 10-year-old girl. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to three other counts of sexual assault involving two other girls aged 10 and 13, prior to a retrial. The incidents took place during the summer of the previous year and during school holidays, with some events occurring at the Crompton Health Centre in Astley Bridge.

One particularly disturbing allegation involved Hicks pinning an 11-year-old girl against a wall inside the health centre and sexually assaulting her. However, he was ultimately cleared of this specific charge. The court was told that Hicks had manipulated the trust placed in him by the girls’ parents, promising their children safety and comfort during sleepovers. The girls were allowed to stay up late, play freely, and engage in physical activities, all of which Hicks exploited for his sexual abuse.

Victims’ statements revealed their fears and confusion. One 10-year-old girl expressed her discomfort around men of Hicks’ age, fearing that abuse might happen again. Another girl, aged 10, believed Hicks’ actions stemmed from loneliness, while a 13-year-old girl stated she no longer wanted to marry after what she experienced. The girls also confided that they were afraid to tell their mothers, worried about getting into trouble or blaming themselves for the abuse.

The case came to light after a teacher noticed behavioral changes in one of the girls, prompting an investigation. The court heard that Hicks had befriended the children, taking them on trips to McDonald’s, Southport, and Blackpool, all while hiding his true intentions. He also invited the girls to assist him with his work at the health centre, without the knowledge of his employer or colleagues.

In December 2012, Hicks admitted to some of the charges and was told by Judge Peter Davies that a custodial sentence was likely. His sentencing was scheduled for January 28, 2013. The judge condemned Hicks’ actions, emphasizing that he had betrayed the trust of the children and their families, engaging in sexual activities under the guise of friendship and care.

Hicks’ criminal history includes a conviction in July 2012, when he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13. Although he was acquitted of other charges at that time, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on eight additional counts. The court discharged the jury after deliberations, and Hicks faced the possibility of a retrial for the remaining allegations. Throughout the proceedings, Hicks maintained that he allowed the girls to stay at his home simply to prevent his house from being “boring,” denying any sexual misconduct.

The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding and the abuse of trust by individuals in caregiving roles. Hicks, of Hengist Street in Tonge Fold, now faces a lengthy prison sentence for his actions, which have left a lasting impact on his young victims and the community at large.