JOHN MCMANUS SENTENCED IN LONDON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES COMMITTED IN GERMANY WHILE IN THE ARMY
In a case that has spanned decades, John McManus, a former soldier and current prison officer, has been convicted and sentenced for serious child sexual offences that took place during his military service in Germany.The 61-year-old, who served as a Royal Highland Fusilier, was found guilty of indecently assaulting a young girl under the age of 13 while stationed in Germany during the 1980s.
McManus’s criminal actions came to light after his victim, who was a minor at the time, reached out to authorities in Germany.
The German officials then informed the British Army about the incident, prompting an investigation.
The case was brought before a military court at Catterick Army Camp, where a four-day trial concluded with McManus being sentenced to three years in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes.
At the time of his arrest, McManus was employed as a prison officer at Brixton in London.
His past actions and the details of his military service eventually caught up with him, leading to his conviction.
The Army issued a statement emphasizing their stance on such crimes, stating, “Child abuse is an abhorrent crime and all allegations are treated with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity.
The Service Police have specialist officers who will investigate, no matter how long ago the alleged offence was committed.” Further details about McManus’s personal life reveal that he was married twice and is a father of three children.
His social media activity has also come under scrutiny; he previously posted provocative images on Facebook, including one of a slender young blonde woman accompanied by the comment, “Dirty old man at heart.” In 2014, he made comments about his experience working in the Prison Service, expressing disillusionment with the promotion system, stating, “I sometimes wonder about work, having been in the Army for a long time, I was used to men and women being promoted for their ability, however I am now in the Prison Service and here you get promoted because of who you know not what you know, oh well modern times.” McManus’s military career spanned from 1972 to 1985, during which he served in various locations including Hemer in Germany, Singapore, Belize, and Northern Ireland.
He achieved the rank of lance-corporal and was part of three tours in Northern Ireland, reflecting a long and varied service record.
Despite his military background, his past actions have now led to a criminal conviction that will significantly impact his life moving forward.
