SYDNEY HALLWORTH OF WINDERMERE AND CLAYTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN THE 1980S AND 2011

In a disturbing case that spans decades, Sydney Hallworth, aged 71, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for his involvement in the sexual abuse of young boys during the 1980s. The offences took place while Hallworth was coaching a boys' football team in Clayton, a suburb known for its community sports activities. His actions, which included grooming and assaulting underage boys, have now come to light after a lengthy investigation and court proceedings.

Hallworth, who previously worked as a bin man, was found guilty by a Manchester Crown Court of five counts of indecent assault. The court's verdict was unanimous, reflecting the severity of his crimes. The judge overseeing the case condemned Hallworth for his predatory behavior, stating, “You singled them out so you could abuse them for your own sexual gratification,” before sentencing him to prison.

The trial revealed that two boys, who played under Hallworth’s coaching in the 1980s, were targeted after they were named ‘man of the match’ in local football games. Following these awards, Hallworth, then in his 30s, invited the boys for private coaching sessions at a sports complex. He would pick them up in his Austin Princess car, and during these sessions, he engaged in inappropriate conduct, including giving the boys ‘sports massages’ that escalated into sexual assaults. Both victims were under the age of 16 at the time of the abuse.

It was only many years later that the victims felt able to come forward, prompted by the Football Association’s investigation into child abuse within youth football. One of the victims provided a statement, which was read out in court by prosecutor Nicola Gatto. The man described feeling ‘broken’ and ‘embarrassed,’ and admitted that the trauma had prevented him from fully progressing in life. Despite becoming a semi-professional footballer, he eventually abandoned the sport due to the abuse he endured. The victim also revealed struggles with alcoholism and expressed regret that he had not been able to reach his full potential. He conveyed a sense of relief at finally disclosing his experiences, and hoped that Hallworth would reflect on the profound impact of his actions.

In addition to the 1980s offences, Hallworth’s criminal record includes a conviction from 2011 for inciting a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. The girl, who started passing Hallworth’s home regularly while living in Droylsden, was approached by him and later invited into his house, where he offered her vodka and lemonade. On another occasion, Hallworth offered her money in exchange for sex. The girl was stunned by his propositions and chose not to return. However, she later saw Hallworth in a car and was coerced into getting in. Hallworth claimed to have recorded a conversation about her relationship issues and threatened to sell the recording to local boys unless she agreed to have sex with him.

The girl contacted Childline, leading to Hallworth’s arrest. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a three-year community order, which included participation in a sex offender treatment program. As part of his sentence, Hallworth, of Ellerthwaite Road, Windermere, Cumbria, is required to sign the sex offender register for life. An indefinite sexual harm prevention order was also imposed to restrict his activities and protect the community from further harm.