SEX OFFENDER ARTHUR THOMPSON SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN MANCHESTER COURT

In March 2001, Arthur John Thompson, a 68-year-old pensioner and cabinet maker from Heywood near Bury, was sentenced to ten years in prison after his history as a child sex abuser was uncovered. Court proceedings revealed that Thompson had attempted to fake his death following the brave disclosure of one of his victims after 16 years.

Thompson, who owned Cynto Cabinet Makers on Church Street in Heywood, tried to evade justice by returning his pension book and ceasing to use his bank account in an effort to lead authorities to believe he was dead. Despite these efforts, he was eventually located in Blackpool and arrested.

His victims expressed their relief as they watched him being jailed at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court. It emerged that Thompson had exploited the trust of young girls over a 17-year period from 1968 to 1985.

The case gained momentum in December 1999 when one of his victims finally found the courage to report the abuse. He was arrested early the following year and released on bail to a hostel but subsequently went on the run.

Authorities believed he had died until they traced him to the Blackpool resort. Thompson faced multiple charges, including three counts of rape and 17 counts of indecent assault or gross indecency, all of which he initially denied. However, on the day of his trial, he admitted to one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault involving four girls aged between four and 12. The remaining charges were kept on file.

Thompson was also mandated to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.