Dangerous Stockport predator jailed for life
Nicholas Moxham of Heaton Chapel, has been sentenced to life in jail. He will be required to serve a minimum term of 22 years
Nicholas Moxham (5/3/72) has been jailed for life for a series of depraved and abhorrent offences against women and children including rape, prostitution, slavery and sexual assaults on women and children.
This result stems from a complex, three-year investigation, involving detectives working closely with vital support services to support and safeguard victims and survivors.
Working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Greater Manchester Police have been able to secure justice for several women who described their feelings of despair and shame that they feel as a result of Nicholas Moxham’s invasive and depraved behaviour.
Two powerful victim impact statements were read at Manchester Crown Court today (Friday 12 July). Courageously, they told Moxham: ‘You preyed on the vulnerable and I hope you’re ashamed for what you did,’ ‘To Nick: thank you for running my life and destroying my trust in the human race,’ ‘I feel proud for standing up against you and being a part of this.
Today, Nicholas Moxham (5/3/72), of Briarfield Road, Heaton Chapel, has been sentenced to life in jail. He will be required to serve a minimum term of 22 years.
Greater Manchester Police said: "From the very beginning of this investigation, our victims and the women who were being exploited and so appallingly treated by Moxham have been at the very heart of everything we have done.
"This has been a complex investigation which has spanned over three years. We’ve had a team of dedicated investigators, made up of the Stockport Challenge Team and detectives from our Crime Investigation Team, who have worked meticulously to piece together Moxham’s crimes. As a result, we’ve been able to safeguard several people and support them through recovery, we’ve watched hundreds of hours of distressing footage, and over one million recovered images to ensure we identified every victim and spent countless hours searching Moxham’s property to make sure we had enough evidence to put Moxham behind bars for a long time.
"In Greater Manchester Police we are fortunate to have access to some vital support services who work closely with our investigative teams to ensure that any victims are offered the support they need.
"In this investigation, and any case where we identify safeguarding concerns, our immediate priority is to help the victims. We will remove them from the unsafe situation and make sure they have access to the very best care and support networks.
"We also have experienced and highly trained officers who advise police across the force on any modern slavery issues which may arise at a scene, and specialist Care Victim Navigators who work exclusively with victims and charity organisations.
"The Care Victim Navigators will also accompany officers and staff when they execute modern slavery warrants. This ensures immediate help is available for any victims they identify at the address. These are officers with decades of experience working the most complex of cases.
"Whilst we carry the investigative side and pursue offenders, victims will be offered bespoke support by specialist charities, including Justice and Care and the Salvation Army.
"Not only do these organisations work with us to ensure our approach is victim centric and of the highest standards, but they support victims through their recovery journeys, empowering them to rebuild their lives. The support comes in many forms including providing emergency housing and safe houses, delivering bespoke training packages which help survivors get the skills and confidence they need to find a job and become independent, financial support, and counselling and medical support. This is available to all victims of modern slavery in Greater Manchester."
Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough from GMP Programme Challenger said: “We know that coming forward to the police isn’t always easy, and we are working tirelessly to improve the trust and confidence that the public and victims have in us. I hope from this investigation, anyone who has been a victim of crime, or has experienced abuse or exploitation knows that whenever they are ready to come forward, we will support them.
“Our survivors have been incredibly courageous, and I hope that this will empower any victims of crime to come forward and have trust in us that we will fight for them and do all we can to secure justice.
“I want you to know that you are not alone, you are not to blame, and we have specially trained officers and partners who will support you.”
Director of Anti-trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, Major Kathy Betteridge, said: "Thanks to the continued efforts of Greater Manchester Police to rescue people being abused through slavery, we have the chance to reach these vulnerable people to get them the support they urgently need.
“All rescued survivors of modern slavery are offered protective care and specialist support by The Salvation Army. Through a government contract, we work with adult survivors of modern slavery to ensure they have the very best chance to recover. Our network of outreach workers and safe house staff work with survivors to access the help they need, such as counselling, financial, medical, and legal support, as they rebuild their lives.
“Modern slavery is all around us in every community. It is vital that the public remains vigilant in spotting the signs of people trapped in slave-like conditions and report their suspicions to help the police combat this evil crime.”
Debi Lloyd, European Programme Manager from Justice and Care, said: “This case demonstrates both how widespread the issue of modern slavery is in our communities, but also the need for brilliant policing and survivor care to bring those responsible to justice.
“We stand in awe and alongside our survivors, whose courage and evidence has led to this successful prosecution.
“We are proud to have worked alongside Greater Manchester Police on this case and will continue to provide support to all men, women, and children who are trapped in modern slavery, supporting them to walk free and rebuild their lives.”
Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Police, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “This case has been one of the most horrifying modern slavery cases we’ve ever seen. Thanks to the bravery of the victims and the tenacious efforts of our Challenger Teams we have seen justice served today.
"It sends a strong message to perpetrators that we will not tolerate this vile crime in Greater Manchester, but importantly it demonstrates to victims that we are here, as police and victim services, to support you to live a safe life free from this abuse. Please make yourself aware of the signs of modern slavery and together we can bring down these criminals.”
If you think modern slavery is happening, tell someone as soon as you think it’s safe to. This could be about a victim, a suspect, or a particular business or place. You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available. GMP can be contacted by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
You can report any modern slavery suspicions or get advice through the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700.
If you suspect that you or someone you have come across may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of help, call The Salvation Army’s confidential 24/7 referral advice line on 0800 808 3733.