IAN CRAWFORD FROM HIGH WYCOMBE AND MANCHESTER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD RAPE CASES
| Red Rose Database
Manchester High Wycombe Rapist
In a case that spanned over half a century, Ian Crawford, a man originally from High Wycombe and later residing in Manchester, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous acts of child sexual abuse committed against two young girls. The proceedings took place at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, where Crawford, aged 76, was found guilty of nine separate counts of raping a child under the age of 13.
Details of the case reveal that Crawford’s disturbing pattern of abuse began when he was only 13 years old. His first victim, a nine-year-old girl, endured years of sexual assault at his hands. The abuse persisted despite her evident distress and emotional suffering, with the victim recounting to the jury how the assaults continued over an extended period, even as she was visibly upset and struggling to cope. The victim’s ordeal only ceased when Crawford left Greater Manchester to join the Royal Air Force, after which the girl was no longer subjected to his abuse.
Decades later, the victim, now in her 60s, came forward after hearing a radio advertisement for a support program called the ‘Truth Project,’ which assists victims of sexual abuse. Her disclosure prompted a police investigation, leading to Crawford’s arrest in 2018. During the initial police interview, Crawford denied all allegations, choosing to give a no-comment response. Later that summer, a second victim, who was only 10 years old when Crawford began abusing her, also came forward. She recounted being repeatedly assaulted over several years before Crawford left Trafford and the area, ending any contact with her.
The second victim’s testimony added further weight to the case, and police launched a formal investigation. Crawford was subsequently charged in 2019, but the proceedings were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite his denials, the court found Crawford guilty on November 30 of nine counts of raping a child under 13. The sentencing reflected the gravity of his crimes: he received a six-year prison sentence for the abuse of his first victim, to be served consecutively with a 14-year sentence for the abuse of his second victim. This resulted in a total prison term of 20 years. Additionally, Crawford was given an extended license period of one year for each count, to be served concurrently.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Crawford’s offending spanned from the 1950s through the 1970s, with his crimes taking place in both High Wycombe and Manchester. His case highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice, even after many years have passed. Crawford continues to deny all allegations, but the court’s verdict underscores the severity of his actions and the enduring trauma inflicted upon his victims.
Details of the case reveal that Crawford’s disturbing pattern of abuse began when he was only 13 years old. His first victim, a nine-year-old girl, endured years of sexual assault at his hands. The abuse persisted despite her evident distress and emotional suffering, with the victim recounting to the jury how the assaults continued over an extended period, even as she was visibly upset and struggling to cope. The victim’s ordeal only ceased when Crawford left Greater Manchester to join the Royal Air Force, after which the girl was no longer subjected to his abuse.
Decades later, the victim, now in her 60s, came forward after hearing a radio advertisement for a support program called the ‘Truth Project,’ which assists victims of sexual abuse. Her disclosure prompted a police investigation, leading to Crawford’s arrest in 2018. During the initial police interview, Crawford denied all allegations, choosing to give a no-comment response. Later that summer, a second victim, who was only 10 years old when Crawford began abusing her, also came forward. She recounted being repeatedly assaulted over several years before Crawford left Trafford and the area, ending any contact with her.
The second victim’s testimony added further weight to the case, and police launched a formal investigation. Crawford was subsequently charged in 2019, but the proceedings were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite his denials, the court found Crawford guilty on November 30 of nine counts of raping a child under 13. The sentencing reflected the gravity of his crimes: he received a six-year prison sentence for the abuse of his first victim, to be served consecutively with a 14-year sentence for the abuse of his second victim. This resulted in a total prison term of 20 years. Additionally, Crawford was given an extended license period of one year for each count, to be served concurrently.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Crawford’s offending spanned from the 1950s through the 1970s, with his crimes taking place in both High Wycombe and Manchester. His case highlights the long-lasting impact of childhood abuse and the importance of justice, even after many years have passed. Crawford continues to deny all allegations, but the court’s verdict underscores the severity of his actions and the enduring trauma inflicted upon his victims.