BRIAN THORNILEY FROM CHORLTON JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AT SOUTH MANCHESTER SCHOOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Brian Thorniley, a 40-year-old man residing on Sandy Lane in Chorlton, Manchester, has been sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to a series of serious sexual offences involving young girls. The offences took place over several years at a primary school located in the southern part of Manchester, where Thorniley was employed as an assistant at an after-school club.

Thorniley's criminal actions involved a total of 24 separate offences committed against four girls, all of whom were between the ages of eight and ten at the time of the incidents. The nature of these offences was sexual in nature, and they represented a gross abuse of trust and authority, given Thorniley’s role within the school environment. The court heard that his misconduct was not a one-time event but spanned a prolonged period, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior that exploited his position of care and responsibility.

Following his conviction, Thorniley was ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities post-release. Additionally, an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order has been imposed upon him, which will remain in effect indefinitely once he is released from prison. This order aims to prevent any further harm and to protect the community from potential reoffending.

Detective Constable Jackie Kerr, who is part of the Family Support Unit, expressed her thoughts on the case, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved. She stated, “Thorniley completely abused his position of authority as an adult who should have been protecting and looking after innocent children.” She praised the bravery of the young victims, noting, “The girls were all very brave to speak to their parents about what had been happening and have been incredibly helpful to this investigation.”

Det Con Kerr also took the opportunity to encourage other victims or witnesses to come forward, reassuring the public that their reports would be handled with sensitivity by specially trained officers. She added, “I hope this gives other people the confidence to come to us and tell us about any similar incidents that have occurred in the knowledge that they will be dealt with thoroughly and with care.”

Finally, she issued a stern warning to potential offenders, stating, “I also hope this sends out a clear message to other people who think they may be able to get away with this kind of abuse, that they will be caught and brought before the courts.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to protect vulnerable children from those who seek to exploit them.