Stretford Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

STRETFORD MAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

A man from Stretford has been handed a 16-year prison sentence after being convicted of multiple severe sexual offenses.

David Houghton, aged 47 and from Milton Close, Stretford, was found guilty in November at Manchester Crown Court of actions including raping a minor, sexually assaulting her, and forcing her to watch sexual videos when she was under 13.

He remained in custody until his sentencing on 29 January 2025, which included a 15-year jail term and a further 12 months on license.

The allegations relate to abuse starting around 2013 involving a girl who was roughly nine years old at the time.

She disclosed the abuse in 2019, which led to a detailed police investigation.

Throughout the inquiry, Houghton abused his trusted position and continued his victimization regularly, threatening her to silence her.

Following the conviction, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Detective Constable Emma Bentley stated: "The abuse Houghton inflicted on a vulnerable young girl is both shocking and upsetting.

Her courage in reporting the crimes allowed us to secure a conviction and a significant prison sentence.

We remain dedicated to investigating all sexual offenses, whether recent or historic, and we urge victims to come forward, assured that they will be heard and believed."