DAVID COURT FROM ASTLEY BRIDGE, BOLTON, SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND THREATS WITH SLEDGEHAMMER

In a case that has shocked the local community, David Court, a 61-year-old man from Astley Bridge, Bolton, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following a series of heinous crimes committed against a young girl during the 1990s. The victim, who was only a child at the time, managed to identify Court at a social event over a decade later, leading to a police investigation that uncovered the full extent of his criminal actions.

It was revealed that Court had first assaulted the girl in the 1990s, during which he subjected her to sexual assault while she was still a primary school pupil. During the attack, Court issued a chilling warning, threatening to strike her with a sledgehammer if she ever disclosed what had happened. Despite this intimidation, Court's crimes did not end there. Approximately two months after the initial assault, he raped her again, further reinforcing his threats of violence and silence.

The victim, now an adult, recognized Court at a social gathering last year and confided in her mother about the traumatic events she endured as a child. This revelation prompted her to report the matter to the police. When questioned, Court, who resides on Ruby Street in Astley Bridge, initially denied all allegations and agreed to undergo a lie detector test. However, he later changed his mind and refused to take the test, complicating the case against him.

At Bolton Crown Court, Court faced justice after being found guilty of both indecent assault and rape. He had pleaded not guilty during the trial but was convicted based on the evidence presented. In addition to his prison sentence, Court was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, a requirement that will remain in effect for the rest of his life.

Detective Constable Pam Chandler, of Bolton CID, expressed her outrage over the case, stating, “To assault and rape a defenseless, vulnerable young girl is a sickening act; to then threaten her with a hammer if she ever spoke out just compounds what a cruel and vindictive man Court is.” She further criticized Court’s apparent indifference to the trauma inflicted, noting, “He even seemed more bothered about his horses than what a traumatic ordeal he had put this young girl through when confronted with a lie detector.”

Chandler also praised the bravery of the victim, saying, “I would like to praise the young woman who found the courage in adulthood to come forward and speak out. What she suffered as a young girl is unthinkable, but I would like to commend her for her bravery for not suffering in silence for decades and allowing Court to walk free.” She concluded by emphasizing the importance of justice, stating, “Undoubtedly, her actions have put a very dangerous man where he belongs — in prison.”