COLIN RUSCOE'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN MANCHESTER: VICTIMS DESCRIBE DEVASTATION AND TRAUMA
A man described as a 'monster' by his victims has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after a series of heinous sexual offenses committed in Manchester.Colin Ruscoe, aged 64 and residing in Longsight, was found guilty by a jury following a detailed trial at Manchester Crown Court.
The court heard that Ruscoe was responsible for multiple serious crimes involving young girls, including causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity on six separate occasions, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, and assaulting a child under 13 by penetration.
During the court proceedings, two of Ruscoe’s victims bravely read statements aloud, sharing the profound and lasting impact his actions had on their lives.
One of the women tearfully told the court, “I lost my childhood because of you,” emphasizing the deep emotional scars left by Ruscoe’s abuse.
She described how the trauma caused her immense distress and pain, to the point where she contemplated ending her own life.
Her relationships have been severely affected, and she expressed a loss of trust in men, describing Ruscoe as dishonest and a coward.
The second woman also recounted her suffering, stating, “You caused me so much pain, anger, hurt and made me hate myself and hurt myself to try and block it out.
You are a monster.
I was a child.
My mental health suffered greatly and I found it difficult to talk about it.
I tried to end my life six times in six months.
Today, because of you, I have no trust in men.” Her words underscored the devastating emotional toll Ruscoe’s crimes inflicted upon her.
The third victim provided a harrowing account of her experience, saying, “This was not something I wanted or consented to.
How could I...
I was just a child?
I have never felt so isolated and alone.
The last few years I feel like I have been on a rollercoaster blindfolded.
It’s a numbness I’ve never felt before.
I have been getting flashbacks multiple times a day and they’ve started to turn into nightmares.
I am now free and you can never hurt me again.” Her testimony highlighted the ongoing mental health struggles and the sense of liberation she now feels after Ruscoe’s conviction.
In mitigation, Ruscoe’s legal representative, Simeon Evans, pointed out that Ruscoe, who has no prior criminal record, maintains his innocence.
Evans also mentioned that Ruscoe suffers from various health issues and does not lead an active or fulfilling life.
Judge Kate Cornell addressed Ruscoe directly during sentencing, expressing her sympathy for the victims and condemning his actions.
She stated, “It was hard to listen to their account and the impact on them of your actions has been profound.
They felt confused and disgusted by what happened and feared they would not be believed.
It was clear to the jury who unanimously found you guilty that the girls were telling the truth and I too agree.
You continue to deny your guilt.
It’s clear you are capable of being a kind man, but that can’t take away from the darkness.
How you behave in public is far from how you behaved with those girls.” Ruscoe, of Cornford Avenue, was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Additionally, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.
