BRITNEE AITKEN, ROCHDALE, JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AND TRANSITIONAL ISSUES

Britnee Aitken, a 47-year-old from Rochdale and a transgender father of two, has been sentenced to three years in a male prison after being convicted of possessing and acting upon paedophilic urges. Aitken, who is currently awaiting gender reassignment surgery, will face delays to her treatment due to her incarceration. During the court hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, she appeared in the dock dressed in a low-cut woman's blouse, with makeup and long red hair, and was referred to using 'she' and 'her.' Aitken was convicted on three counts of sexual assault and one of exposure, and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. She maintains her innocence.

The allegations stem from incidents involving two girls, aged six at the time, which occurred between July and September 2012. Prosecutor Mr. Ben Berkson stated: 'The defendant was then known as Marcus Aitken, and the girls were five or six years old at the time.' One victim reported suffering from flashbacks and emotional distress due to the abuse, saying: 'I suffer flashbacks and get angry when I think about what this person did to me. It has affected my ability to form relationships and caused anxiety and anger management issues. I am worried about how this will affect my future.'

The offences came to light after Aitken, who previously identified as Marcus and worked as a truck recovery driver, made headlines over a peculiar legal dispute. In 2008, she challenged a police fine of £30 for playing a Riverdance CD too loudly in her car. She refused to pay, leading to demand letters, bailiff visits, and the debt rising to £270 due to administrative costs. In her statement, she described bailiffs demanding entry at 7:30 a.m., shouting threats through her letterbox while she was inside with her then-girlfriend and two sons. The court noted that a judge later quashed the fine on appeal.

Aitken's past includes a caution in 2012 for possessing an illicit 'upskirt' video of a seven-year-old girl, but she had no prior convictions before the current charges. Defense lawyer Adam Roxborough highlighted her short offending period a decade ago, her consistent employment as a recovery truck driver, and her fragile mental health. He pointed out that her gender transition plans, which were progressing and scheduled for that year, would be significantly delayed by imprisonment. Roxborough emphasized her lack of remorse but suggested that a suspended sentence might be appropriate, considering her circumstances.

Sentencing Judge John Edwards acknowledged Aitken's mental health struggles and the difficulty of her custodial situation but emphasized the severity of her crimes. He stated: 'This offending was sustained, predatory, and very distressing for these girls. It has had a significant emotional impact, especially given their vulnerability. You appeared as an almost avuncular figure, but your true motives were darker. You crossed a clear boundary to indulge your attractions. Your caution shows an interest in young children.'

Aitken was also mandated to adhere to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, prohibiting her from 'loitering' near schools or children's play areas.

The case highlights the complex and troubling history of a person navigating gender identity issues amid serious criminal allegations.