CRAIG BECKETT'S SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN LEIGH: A DECADE OF HORROR REVEALED

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Leigh, Craig Anthony Beckett, aged 27, was convicted of a series of heinous sexual offenses committed over several years. The crimes, which spanned from when the victim was just six years old until she was 11, involved both indecent assault and rape, and have left a lasting scar on the survivor.

Beckett, who was living back in Leigh after being released from custody in 2012, was entrusted with the care of the young girl at the time. Instead of fulfilling his responsibilities as a babysitter, he exploited the trust placed in him to commit repeated acts of abuse. The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, only came forward to police in May of the previous year, revealing the extent of her suffering and the long-term trauma inflicted upon her.

The allegations first came to light after the girl, now an adult, decided to speak out, prompting an investigation that led to Beckett’s arrest in June 2008. During his arrest, Beckett claimed that the charges were “malicious and false,” but the evidence presented at trial proved otherwise. The case was heard at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, where Beckett faced multiple counts of sexual assault and rape.

Prosecutor Michael Leeming detailed the disturbing timeline, stating that Beckett had begun abusing the girl when she was just six years old and continued until she was 11. He emphasized that the victim felt strong enough to report the abuse only after years of suffering in silence, with her complaint made in May 2007.

In court, Beckett’s defense, represented by Steven Swift, acknowledged the jury’s verdict and the court’s decision. Swift highlighted that Beckett was 17 at the time of the last offense and expressed concern about the impact on his family, noting that he is a father of three young children and described him as a man of good character with a settled private life.

However, Judge Bernard Lever did not shy away from the gravity of the crimes. He stated, “I have given this difficult case very careful consideration. From being aged six and until aged 11, you subjected this girl to sustained sexual abuse. You began by indecently assaulting her and progressed to rape. You gave no thought to the effects your behaviour was having. You must understand, and your family and friends must understand, that these are very serious offences.”

Beckett was sentenced to six years in prison for ten counts of rape, with an additional three years for three counts of indecent assault, to be served concurrently. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the devastating impact of abuse, especially when it occurs within the trusted environment of a caregiver in Leigh.