MICHAEL BOOTH AND LEANNE GILDER FROM CHADDERTON AND PADIHAM SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND PROSTITUTION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Chadderton and Padiham, two individuals have been brought to justice for their involvement in the exploitation and sexual abuse of a vulnerable 14-year-old girl. The events unfolded in August 2012, revealing a disturbing pattern of drug-fueled manipulation and child prostitution that has left many residents appalled.

Leanne Gilder, aged 26 and a mother of two, from Radcliffe Street in Chadderton, Oldham, was at the center of this heinous crime. She was convicted of controlling child prostitution after a jury found her guilty of orchestrating the exploitation of the young girl. Gilder’s actions included drugging the victim with crack cocaine, which she used to render the girl intoxicated and more susceptible to manipulation. Witnesses testified that Gilder then applied makeup to the girl, making her appear older and more marketable for the purpose of prostitution.

The court heard that Gilder took the girl to Manchester’s notorious red-light district, where she was introduced to a 44-year-old builder named Michael Booth, from Padiham, Lancashire. Booth, 44, was later convicted of child sex offenses and sentenced to six years in prison, with an additional four-year extended license period. The trial revealed that Booth paid Gilder £60 for the opportunity to molest the 14-year-old girl in the back of his Transit van near Manchester city center. Booth admitted to having an encounter with the girl but claimed he believed she was of legal age, asserting that he always asked prostitutes their age for “peace of mind.”

Police investigations uncovered that Booth had a history of soliciting prostitutes and had been caught breaching bail conditions. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. Despite his claims of the girl’s apparent sobriety and normal behavior during their encounter, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of paying for sex with a minor and assault by penetration.

Gilder’s involvement did not end with the initial incident. The following day, Booth contacted Gilder again, asking if the girl was “doing business,” indicating ongoing exploitation. The young girl was later rescued by police and returned to her home in Manchester. Gilder, who has two young children, maintained her innocence during the trial, asserting that she believed the girl was 18 and that they had been working together as prostitutes after meeting at a drop-in center. However, the jury rejected her account, and she was found guilty of controlling child prostitution but cleared of inciting it, as evidence showed she had moved the girl away from the red-light district on another occasion.

Gilder failed to appear for her sentencing in July but was subsequently arrested and remanded in Styal Prison. During her sentencing hearing, she mouthed “I’m innocent” and sobbed as Judge Michael Henshell sentenced her to five years in prison. The judge emphasized the severity of her crime, describing her as viewing the girl as a “commodity” and highlighting her role in the exploitation.

Defense lawyer Richard Orme argued that Gilder’s actions were out of character, claiming that her behavior was driven by “two days of drug-fueled madness” and that her life at the time was one of chaotic gratification. The judge, however, pointed out that Gilder had every opportunity to recognize the girl’s age, noting her youthful appearance and the fact that she had applied makeup to her before taking her into town, indicating her intent to sell her for sex.

Meanwhile, Michael Booth’s criminal case culminated in his sentencing last month, where he received a six-year prison term and a four-year license period. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. The court’s findings detailed his involvement in paying for sex with the underage girl, facilitated by the drugs and alcohol he supplied, which left her vulnerable to exploitation.

Authorities continue to seek information about Booth’s whereabouts, as he has failed to comply with bail conditions and has links to Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Police have urged anyone with information to contact them at 0161 856 3540 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111, in hopes of preventing further crimes and ensuring justice for the victims involved.