MEN JAILED FOR OVER 30 YEARS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN GREATER MANCHESTER

In February 2009, four men were sentenced for their involvement in a series of 31 sexual offences committed over more than three decades against multiple children.

Mark Stevens, aged 47, of Great Howarth in Smallbridge, received a 22-year prison sentence at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday, along with an extended license period of 10 years. He was convicted in June of 10 counts of child rape, seven counts of indecent assault, one count of attempted rape, and four counts of sexual activity with a child.

Tim Stevens, aged 21, with no fixed address, was handed an indefinite hospital order after being found guilty of raping a child under 16 and committing two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Jeff Goodby, aged 29, of Carr Road, Darwen, was sentenced to 18 years in prison. He was convicted of four counts of raping a girl under 13, raping a girl over 13, and indecent assault.

Keith Yates, aged 51, of Dicken Green, Queensway, was found guilty of gross indecency with a child and was sentenced to 18 months in prison in September.

All four offenders were ordered to register as sex offenders for life and are permanently barred from working with children.

It was revealed that Mark Stevens committed his first offence when he was just 16. Investigations showed that Stevens and Yates would watch pornographic films together before taking one child into a bedroom with them, forcing her to watch the films and have sex with them. Jeff Goodby had become friends with Mark Stevens five years prior, and during their acquaintance, Stevens introduced Goodby to some of his victims, whom Goodby then raped.

Detective Constable Jacky Abbott from Rochdale's child protection unit remarked: “Mark Stevens and his associates carried out horrendous assaults against their victims. These men clearly pose a danger to children, and we are pleased that their convictions will help protect others from harm.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault are encouraged to contact Greater Manchester Police at 0161 872 5050 or call 999 in emergencies. GMP has specially trained officers available to support victims and guide them through the criminal justice process. Additionally, St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester offers comprehensive forensic, medical, and counselling services for anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. The centre operates 24 hours a day and accepts referrals either directly or via the police.