Man from Stretford jailed for 16 years for sexually abusing a child

A man from Stretford has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault, and causing a child under 13 to watch footage of sexual activity.

David Houghton aged 47, of Milton Close, Stretford, was found guilty in November following a trial at Manchester Crown Court. He had been remanded in custody until his sentencing on (29 January 2025), which was a 15-year custodial sentence, with an additional 12 month licence period.

In 2019, a teenage girl made a disclosure that she had been the victim of sexual abuse over a period time by Houghton, beginning in around 2013, in the Trafford area. The girl was approximately nine-years-old when the abuse started.

Houghton, who abused his position of trust with his victim, carried on with his disgusting actions on a regular basis, threatening the girl that she couldn’t tell anyone else.

Once the girl bravely came forward, Houghton was first interviewed by police in 2019.

Following a thorough investigation, he was charged with the offences, all of which he was found guilty of at trial. He will also have to sign the sex offender’s register for life.

Detective Constable Emma Bentley said: “Houghton’s treatment of a vulnerable young female was shocking and distressing. Her courage to come forward and provide evidence has enabled us to pursue a prosecution and resulted in a lengthy prison sentence.

“We will investigate all offences of this nature whether historic or not, and I urge all victims of sexual abuse to make contact with police, as you will be listened to and believed.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111