A man has been jailed after he engaged in sexual activity with a 14-year-old boy near to Hollingworth Lake

On Friday (14 June), Stephen Thorpe, aged 60, of Rochdale was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a child and sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to four years in prison.

The court heard how on Tuesday 4 September 2018 a 14-year-old boy was magnet fishing by the canal near to Hollingworth Road in Littleborough.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/121886/teenage-boy-sexually-assaulted-while-fishing

The boy was approached by Thorpe who advised he go to a different pond nearby to have a better chance of success.

When he moved to the location he realised that Thorpe had followed him and he was sexually assaulted by Thorpe before managing to run away.

Thorpe denied any involvement even though he was identified not only by the victim but by witnesses who had seen him in the area at the time.

Detective Constable Karl Perry, of GMP’s Rochdale division said: “Stephen Thorpe is a predator, he preyed on his victim, and advised him to go out of sight of prying eyes before cornering him and sexually assaulting him.

“He refused to admit his crime and has shown no remorse for what he has done.

“The boy will be left with lasting mental scars from this terrifying event, I am glad he has got a strong family around him and I would like to commend him for his bravery.

“While the terrifying memories may take a long time to fade, I hope today’s result helps the boy to move on from his horrific ordeal.”

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, there is help and support available. 

You can report it to Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report. 

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral. 

Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. 

Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 0161 236 2182