JEFFREY DUNN'S SHAMEFUL CRIMES IN OLDHAM: SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL LEADS TO JAIL

In December 2010, a disturbing case of child sexual exploitation unfolded in Oldham, involving Jeffrey Dunn, a 50-year-old man whose actions have shocked the local community and prompted a serious criminal investigation. Dunn, residing on Keswick Avenue in Oldham, was ultimately convicted and sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court for his heinous crimes.

His criminal behavior did not end with his incarceration. Despite warnings from authorities that his contact with the young girl was illegal, Dunn continued to pursue her, even sending her love letters from prison. These letters, which were later handed over by her mother to the police, revealed his persistent attempts to maintain a relationship with her, despite the clear legal boundaries and the girl’s young age.

The troubling case first came to light at the beginning of 2010 when concerns about Dunn’s relationship with the girl were raised. The victim confided in a friend that she was engaged to Dunn, a revelation that alarmed those around her. The friend, worried about her safety, contacted the girl’s mother, who then confronted her daughter about the alleged relationship. The girl denied any involvement but soon began to exhibit troubling behavior, including arguments with her mother, going missing from her home, and truancy from school.

Detective Sergeant Liz Hopkinson described the situation, stating, “Jeffrey Dunn took advantage of a young girl who genuinely believed they were in a relationship.” The police responded to reports of her missing in May, visiting her home and finding her there. At that time, no offences were disclosed, and officers issued Dunn a warning, believing the matter was resolved. However, Dunn’s manipulative tactics persisted.

Just days later, neighbors observed the girl at Dunn’s house again, indicating that he had not ceased his efforts to maintain contact. Police were finally able to arrest Dunn after the girl was seen at his residence a second time within a short period. During his time on remand, Dunn’s continued misconduct was evident, as he maintained communication with the girl through love letters, which her mother provided to authorities.

Sergeant Hopkinson emphasized the gravity of the case, noting, “Despite warnings that this girl was only 15, and that he was committing a crime by associating with her, Dunn continued to keep in contact even when he was in prison. It took a lot of work to help her realize that he was using her for his own sexual gratification.”

Throughout the investigation, it was revealed that Dunn had manipulated the girl into believing they were in a romantic relationship, with her convinced that Dunn was in love with her. The police are actively working with the victim to help her understand the truth and recover from the trauma inflicted.

The case also involved a disturbing incident at the Royal Oldham Hospital, where Dunn falsely claimed to hospital staff that he was the girl’s uncle when she complained of chest pains, worried it might be pregnancy-related. The hospital staff became suspicious of the unusual situation, prompting further scrutiny.

In response to this case, authorities in Oldham, working alongside children’s charity Barnardo’s and Oldham Council, established a specialized team called Messenger. This team is dedicated to identifying and assisting children at risk of abuse, providing vital support to victims and working to prevent future exploitation. Sergeant Hopkinson, a member of the team, expressed her hope that this case serves as a warning to others, stating, “I hope this will show other men who choose to associate with children that their behavior is criminal. They cannot be classed as older men in relationships with younger girls—they are paedophiles.”

She also highlighted the importance of community vigilance, encouraging anyone with concerns about child exploitation to contact their local police station at 0161 872 5050 or to reach out anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. The Oldham authorities remain committed to protecting children and bringing offenders like Jeffrey Dunn to justice.