STANLEY DAVIES OF OPENSHWAW JAILED FOR CHILD RAPE IN MANCHESTER

In June 2009, a tragic case unfolded involving a 78-year-old man named Stanley Davies from Openshaw, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for heinous crimes committed against a young girl. The court heard that Davies, at the time 62 years old, had sexually abused a girl when she was just six years old, a period during which he subjected her to repeated acts of sexual violence over a span of two years.

Despite the victim coming forward more than a decade after the abuse had ceased, Davies refused to admit his guilt. His denial compelled the young woman to endure the ordeal of a criminal trial, during which she had to recount her traumatic experiences. Ultimately, a jury found Davies guilty of two counts of rape and three counts of indecent assault, confirming his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

During the sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, Judge Rudland addressed Davies directly, criticizing his attitude and lack of remorse. The judge stated, "You challenged her and accused her of fabricating accusations against you. You lack, and will always lack, any insight into the consequences of your actions. You breached a trust placed in you and gave vent to your own sexual desires. It is quite clear that you were a predator that took advantage of opportunities when they arose."

The court was informed that Davies, residing on Sandywell Street in Openshaw, had carried out these sexual assaults and rape over a two-year period, beginning when the girl was only five or six years old. It was not until she reached the age of 18 that she felt able to disclose what had happened to her.

Prosecutor Mr. Richard Littler highlighted the profound impact the abuse had on the victim’s life. She suffered from depression and required counseling to cope with her trauma. The judge remarked on her confusion and fear during the abuse, noting that she was given conflicting explanations—being told that her experiences were normal or a form of punishment—further complicating her understanding of what was happening.

Judge Rudland explained that the victim’s reasons for remaining silent for so long were typical of abuse victims. She believed she would never be believed and harbored feelings of guilt for what had transpired. The court also heard that her mother had sensed something was wrong but was unable to get her daughter to open up about her distress.

Although the victim, now an adult, initially reported the abuse to police in 2005, she lacked the strength to pursue the case at that time. She re-contacted authorities in November 2007, leading to Davies’s arrest in February 2008.

Defense lawyer Mr. Hugh Barton described Davies as a man who had otherwise led an unblemished life, working diligently and living with his late sister at their shared home for over 30 years. He emphasized Davies’s poor health, noting that he suffers from conditions such as angina and arthritis, requiring 14 different medications. Davies walks with crutches, and his health was expected to decline further if he were to serve time in prison.

Despite evidence found at his residence indicating an ongoing interest in children, the judge decided against issuing a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, citing Davies’s advanced age and the low likelihood of re-offending.

Davies was sentenced to nine years for the two counts of rape, with additional sentences of six months and three years for the other offenses, all to be served concurrently. The court’s decision reflected the severity of his crimes and the lasting damage inflicted on his victim.

Detective Constable Yanica Weir from the Child Abuse Investigation Team commented on the case, stating, "No matter how old the abuse, we always encourage people to come forward and report it. This victim was very young at the time, and what Davies did has significantly affected her life. Now he has been brought to justice for his actions, she can begin to move past this traumatic chapter."

She further emphasized the importance of reporting sexual abuse, regardless of how much time has passed, to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive the support they need.