STANLEY LYONS FROM STRETFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN MANCHESTER

In October 2007, a Stretford-based sex offender was sentenced to six years in prison for abusing two young girls. Delivery driver Stanley Lyons, aged 64, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency. The sentencing took place at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday, October 11. Lyons has also been ordered to register as a sex offender for life and is prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with children.

The court was informed that the offences occurred against two girls, aged just eight and twelve when the abuse started in 1978. Lyons was later arrested in April after the two women reported the incidents to police. Detective Constable Julia Knowles from Trafford Police’s child protection unit explained: "He was extremely manipulative and used to threaten one of the victims that she’d be sent to a children’s home if she ever told anyone."

She also highlighted the victims’ bravery: "It’s taken great courage by both of them to come forward, but they’ve been driven by the fear that Lyons might still have contact with other children and harm them too."

Furthermore, she noted: "Both victims were sexually abused by Lyons over a period of about four years. They did not know about each other’s abuse until 2005. During police interviews, Lyons did not admit guilt and waited until his court hearing."

Detective Knowles expressed hope that the conviction would bring some closure to the victims, saying, "I just hope his conviction helps them to move forward with their lives." Anyone impacted by this case is encouraged to contact the Altrincham child protection unit at 0161 856 0955.