ALAN WEST, CHEADLE PAEDOPHILE WHO ABUSED CHILDREN FOR 33 YEARS, SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON

In a case that has shocked the community of Cheadle and the wider Greater Manchester area, Alan West, a man with a disturbing history of child abuse spanning over three decades, was sentenced to eight years behind bars. The court proceedings revealed a harrowing account of West’s prolonged pattern of sexual offenses against vulnerable children, beginning when he was just 21 years old.

According to the court, West’s first known victim was a young girl aged nine, whom he began abusing shortly after reaching adulthood. Over the years, his offending extended to include a six-year-old boy and an eight-year-old girl, illustrating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior. The court heard that West, who has been married twice, committed these acts over an extended period, causing lasting trauma to his victims.

The police were able to apprehend West after one of his victims, now an adult woman, came forward to report the abuse. Initially, West denied the allegations, but during the trial, he ultimately pleaded guilty to 17 sexual offenses, including 13 counts of indecent assault, one count of sexual assault, and three counts of gross indecency with a child. His guilty plea marked a significant step in the pursuit of justice for his victims.

Judge Roger Thomas QC addressed the court, referencing a statement made by one of the victims, who is now 44 years old. The victim expressed her pain and frustration, stating, ‘Alan West is walking around scot free and I’ve been a prisoner for all these years.’ The judge emphasized the profound and long-lasting impact of child sexual abuse, highlighting that such acts not only harm children at the time but also leave scars that can persist into adulthood.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that West had made two suicide attempts, and his second wife had left him as a consequence of the charges. The court heard that West resides on Shakespeare Drive in Cheadle, Greater Manchester. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was placed under a sex offender’s prevention order. Upon release, he will serve the remainder of his sentence on licence, ensuring ongoing supervision.

The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, attended the sentencing and described West as a ‘monster’ whose eyes continue to haunt her. She expressed her belief that West is unlikely to change and emphasized that prison might prevent him from accessing other children, but it would not alter his predatory nature. Her words underscored the devastating impact of his crimes and the importance of justice.

Detective Constable Claire Beach of Greater Manchester Police commented on the case, praising the bravery of the victims who came forward as adults. She stated, ‘The victims found the courage in adulthood to come forward, and thanks to their bravery, his crimes have finally caught up with him and he is where he belongs – in jail.’ The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for victims of child abuse, as well as the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring offenders to justice.