Child sexual offender from Rochdale jailed for 15 years
Police say his abhorrent crimes had a huge impact on both victims and survivors
Last updated 2nd Sep 2023
A man has been jailed for child sexual abuse of a young girl and boy, after being found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault on a female under the age of 14, attempted rape of a girl under the age of 16 and the indecent assault of a male under the age of 14 years - in unrelated circumstances - at Bolton Crown Court.
Christopher McGourlay, 63, of Waithlands Road, Rochdale, was convicted by a jury at trial, on 19 July 2023.
The court heard how the abhorrent crimes, which took place in the early 1990s, had a huge impact on both victims and survivors.
DC Elisabeth Stacey of the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Team based at Rochdale Police Station said: "McGourlay has now begun a 15-year jail sentence for these despicable crimes against these victims and survivors, when they were both young children who had no idea what was happening to them.
"I want to thank the victims and survivors for the strength and dignity they have shown throughout this case, and the bravery they have had to bring this prosecution to a conclusion.
"Although nothing will ever give them their childhoods' back, I hope that this lengthy sentence gives them the time and space to come to terms with what they have been through and begin to heal.
"As a Force, GMP are committed to investigating, locating and charging child sexual offenders, seeing prosecutions through the courts to sentencing, just like today's.
"If you, or someone you know, have been the subject of child sexual abuse, regardless of how long ago it was, then please get in touch with us. You will be listened to and you will be believed.
"Please contact us on 101 or via our website www.gmp.police.uk. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999."