GARRY READER FROM BOLTON AND LITTLE LEVER SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Bolton and Little Lever, Garry Paul Reader, aged 31, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of the heinous crime of raping a six-year-old girl. The incident, which took place sometime between May 2012 and May 2013, involved Reader being left alone with the young victim and her three siblings at a residence in Bolton.

The court heard that Reader, who resided on Market Street in Little Lever, had taken advantage of a moment when he was upstairs in bed. He summoned the young girl into his bedroom, where she voluntarily climbed into bed with him. During this encounter, Reader inquired whether her brother was downstairs, then instructed her to be quiet with the words, “Shhh, be quiet.” It was at this point that he committed the assault, raping the girl in his bedroom.

Following the attack, Reader attempted to manipulate the young victim by telling her, “Don’t tell anyone, someone could be really mad at me and I could go to prison,” planting fear and guilt in her mind to prevent her from disclosing what had happened. The abuse remained undiscovered for weeks until August 2013, when the girl confided in a friend about the incident. Her friend then persuaded her to speak to her mother, which ultimately led to the authorities being involved.

Detective Constable Kirsty Kaye, speaking after the sentencing, described the case as “appalling,” emphasizing the vulnerability of the young victim who was too young to fully understand the gravity of the abuse inflicted upon her. She highlighted how Reader exploited the child's innocence and used fear as a tool to silence her. The officer also reassured that the victim and her family are receiving support from specially trained officers to help them cope with the trauma.

Kaye concluded by reaffirming the police’s commitment to justice, stating, “This sentence goes some way to demonstrating that we will go to any length possible to punish those who target the innocent for their own gratification.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting children from predators within local communities.