THOMAS RAE FROM CHORLEY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ABUSE INCIDENT NEAR BOLTON
| Red Rose Database
Chorley Sexual Abuser
A man named Thomas Rae, who was involved in a disturbing case of online grooming and sexual assault against a teenage girl, has been allowed to walk free from court after receiving a suspended sentence. The incident, which took place in the Rivington area—a well-known scenic spot on the West Pennine Moors near Bolton, Greater Manchester—shocked the local community and drew significant police attention.
Thomas Rae, along with two other men, Callum Hesketh and Michael Linfoot, both from Chorley, pleaded guilty to serious sexual offences committed against a 15-year-old girl. The crimes occurred during a series of events that unfolded in Rivington, a location popular among visitors for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The case was brought to justice at Liverpool Crown Court, where all three offenders received suspended sentences, sparking discussions about justice and sentencing in cases involving minors.
According to police reports, the grooming process began in 2018 when Callum Hesketh initiated contact with the victim through social media platforms. He was the first to reach out, asking her to participate in a threesome, an offer she declined. Despite her refusal, Hesketh persisted, repeatedly messaging and calling her over the following weeks. The police revealed that Hesketh would conduct video calls, during which he asked the girl to pose in various sexual positions while he masturbated, actions that were later reported by the Manchester Evening News.
The situation escalated when police traced the offenders to Rivington. They parked their vehicle nearby, and during this time, the victim's friend received a phone call and stepped out of the van. It was at this moment that Hesketh and Linfoot allegedly began raping the girl. Disturbingly, Hesketh recorded these sexual acts on his mobile phone and later broadcasted them on social media with the caption, 'GANG BANG OUT HERE.' The court heard that during the assault, Hesketh was heard talking on his phone, and shortly afterward, three more men arrived on motorbikes. One of these men, Thomas Rae, approached the van, exposed himself, and performed oral sex on the victim.
Following the assault, Hesketh and Linfoot took the girl back to Adlington, where they bought a bottle of wine before leaving the scene. The police investigation revealed the full extent of the grooming and abuse, leading to the guilty pleas of all three men. Linfoot admitted to one count of sexual activity with a child under 16 and was sentenced to 11 months in jail, suspended for 12 months. Rae, aged 24, also pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a minor and received a similar sentence—11 months suspended for a year. Hesketh, also 24, admitted to sending sexualized social media messages and creating indecent videos involving a child in 2018, and was sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for 12 months.
Detective Constable Robert Booth commented on the case, emphasizing the bravery of the victim in coming forward. He stated, “Thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward and putting her trust in us, we were able to bring these men to justice. It must have been very difficult for her to have to sit through interviews and come to terms with what these men subjected her to, but I hope today's result gives her a sense of justice.” The officer also issued a message to potential victims and offenders, highlighting the support available and the police’s commitment to justice. He added, “We will support you and work with you at your own pace when you are ready, no matter the passage of time. We will also not tolerate this concealment and will bring perpetrators to justice.”
Thomas Rae, along with two other men, Callum Hesketh and Michael Linfoot, both from Chorley, pleaded guilty to serious sexual offences committed against a 15-year-old girl. The crimes occurred during a series of events that unfolded in Rivington, a location popular among visitors for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The case was brought to justice at Liverpool Crown Court, where all three offenders received suspended sentences, sparking discussions about justice and sentencing in cases involving minors.
According to police reports, the grooming process began in 2018 when Callum Hesketh initiated contact with the victim through social media platforms. He was the first to reach out, asking her to participate in a threesome, an offer she declined. Despite her refusal, Hesketh persisted, repeatedly messaging and calling her over the following weeks. The police revealed that Hesketh would conduct video calls, during which he asked the girl to pose in various sexual positions while he masturbated, actions that were later reported by the Manchester Evening News.
The situation escalated when police traced the offenders to Rivington. They parked their vehicle nearby, and during this time, the victim's friend received a phone call and stepped out of the van. It was at this moment that Hesketh and Linfoot allegedly began raping the girl. Disturbingly, Hesketh recorded these sexual acts on his mobile phone and later broadcasted them on social media with the caption, 'GANG BANG OUT HERE.' The court heard that during the assault, Hesketh was heard talking on his phone, and shortly afterward, three more men arrived on motorbikes. One of these men, Thomas Rae, approached the van, exposed himself, and performed oral sex on the victim.
Following the assault, Hesketh and Linfoot took the girl back to Adlington, where they bought a bottle of wine before leaving the scene. The police investigation revealed the full extent of the grooming and abuse, leading to the guilty pleas of all three men. Linfoot admitted to one count of sexual activity with a child under 16 and was sentenced to 11 months in jail, suspended for 12 months. Rae, aged 24, also pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a minor and received a similar sentence—11 months suspended for a year. Hesketh, also 24, admitted to sending sexualized social media messages and creating indecent videos involving a child in 2018, and was sentenced to eight months in jail, suspended for 12 months.
Detective Constable Robert Booth commented on the case, emphasizing the bravery of the victim in coming forward. He stated, “Thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward and putting her trust in us, we were able to bring these men to justice. It must have been very difficult for her to have to sit through interviews and come to terms with what these men subjected her to, but I hope today's result gives her a sense of justice.” The officer also issued a message to potential victims and offenders, highlighting the support available and the police’s commitment to justice. He added, “We will support you and work with you at your own pace when you are ready, no matter the passage of time. We will also not tolerate this concealment and will bring perpetrators to justice.”