ERENEST ANDERTON'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN LEIGH: 12-YEAR SENTENCE FOR ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Leigh, Ernest Robert Anderton, aged 48, has been sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison for a series of heinous crimes involving the systematic abuse and sexual assault of young girls over a span of more than two decades. The court proceedings, held at Bolton Crown Court, revealed the extent of Anderton's depravity, which included the rape of a girl from the age of nine until she reached 16, as well as indecent assaults on two other young girls, one of whom was only three years old.

During the sentencing, two of Anderton’s victims were present in the courtroom, visibly distressed and tearful as the details of their suffering were read aloud. The prosecution, led by David James, outlined how Anderton began abusing one of his victims when she was just nine years old. Over the course of several years, he groomed her for sexual activity, gradually escalating to rape when she was 13. The court heard that the girl was so overwhelmed by the pain during the assaults that she cried, only to be told by Anderton that her tears encouraged him more. This manipulation and abuse continued almost weekly until she turned 16, with Anderton using threats to silence her. He warned her that if she confided in her mother, she would not be believed or would be blamed, and that she might even be placed in a children’s home.

It was only after the victim left her family home at 18 that she found the strength to disclose her ordeal to the police. Anderton was arrested the very next day. Initially, he denied the allegations, claiming that the girl had fabricated the story due to depression, and even suggested that the sexual acts had been consensual. However, he later pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of rape, two counts of rape involving acts of gross indecency, and three counts of indecent assault. In addition, he admitted to two counts of indecent assault against a second young girl, committed between 1975 and 1985, and a further count involving a three-year-old girl last year.

Judge Derwin Hope, presiding over the case, sentenced Anderton to 12 years in prison, with an additional eight years on extended licence. The judge emphasized the high risk Anderton posed to society, especially to young girls, stating, “Your depravity is so deep-seated you were willing to abuse girls as young as three for your own sexual needs.” The judge also highlighted the profound and incalculable harm inflicted upon the victims, particularly the girl who was raped from age nine to 16. As part of his punishment, Anderton will be required to sign the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities after his release from prison.