Two paedophiles have been jailed for grooming and sexually abusing boys, now men, in Bolton in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to the brave survivors who spoke out against them.
David Marsh, 74, from Northenden, and Anthony Whitehead, 72, from Atherton, were sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after a jury unanimously found them guilty of 35 sex offences on boys aged between nine and 13.
As well as Bolton, the offending also took place in Rochdale and Manchester.
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) specialist investigators began a comprehensive five-year investigation back in 2019, after one of the survivors confided in a person of authority that he had been sexually abused by Marsh as boy.
Detectives from GMP Rochdale’s Complex Safeguarding Team – one of 10 such dedicated teams across every town and city in Greater Manchester – and the Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team, worked meticulously to identify any other survivors.
Officers were able to build a clear picture of a history of offending by Marsh and Whitehead, who did not know each other, through several enquiries and extensive background work.
The two men preyed upon boys and exploited their vulnerabilities, taking them to other parts of Manchester while they groomed them with cigarettes, alcohol and money.
Marsh was sentenced to 27 years and Whitehead was sentenced to seven years. Both must serve at least two thirds of their sentence.
If you have suffered abuse or would like to discuss experiences, please contact our specialist child abuse solicitor, Charles Derham on the following: