Man jailed for sexual offences against two girls in Trafford

A man from Manchester was jailed for 13 years at Manchester Minshull Street Court on 1 September following an earlier trial for serious sexual offences of two girls in Trafford

Christopher Atherton aged 47 was found guilty of sexual assaulting a child under 13 and causing or inciting a child also under 13 to engage in sexual activity relating to an incident in 2019.

Atherton was also found guilty of three charges – two of indecent assault and sexual assault – dating back to between 2001 and 2004 when his female victim was aged under 16.

Detective Constable Steve Matthias, of our Trafford Child Protection Unit, said: “Atherton put his victims through two ordeals, firstly by carrying out this horrific abuse and then compounding that by denying his criminality and making them testify at his trial.

“The judge deemed him to be a significant risk of causing serious harm in the future and a danger to girls, and ordered that he remains on Sex Offender Register for life.

“I would like to commend the victims for coming forward to report his crimes and for giving evidence at his trial – that cannot have been easy.

“We want to reassure all victims and survivors that they will be supported regardless of how long has passed since the abuse took place and we will investigate all allegations.”

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

Picture: GMP