KIERAN HUELIN AND LAURA CRANK SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE IN BOLTON
A disturbing case involving allegations of grooming, drugging, and sexual assault has come to light in Bolton, where a couple was accused of exploiting vulnerable teenagers in their home.The proceedings took place at Bolton Crown Court, where the court found the individuals guilty of serious crimes related to their abuse of minors.
The defendant, 28-year-old Kieran Huelin, was convicted of engaging in sexual activities in the presence of a child and participating in sexual acts with a minor.
His accomplice, 26-year-old Laura Crank, was also found guilty on multiple counts, including engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, inciting a minor to engage in sexual acts, and herself participating in sexual activities with a child.
Due to her learning disability, Judge Timothy Clayson determined that Crank was not fit to enter a plea or stand trial.
Despite her inability to formally plead, the court clearly established her involvement in these grave offences.
The court was given detailed accounts of how the accused couple from Longfieldu Road, Daubhill, systematically targeted vulnerable young girls, inviting them into their home under the false pretense of socializing or friendship.
Once there, they would supply the girls with alcohol and illegal drugs, notably amphetamines and lager, to impair their judgment and compliance.
One particular case, dating back to 2009, involved a 13-year-old girl who had fallen out with her mother and sought refuge at Huelin's flat on Brookhouse Avenue, Farnworth.
The court heard that Huelin and Crank supplied her with seven or eight cans of lager along with amphetamines.
During her stay, she was made to sleep on a mattress on the living room floor alongside the couple.
Disturbingly, the pair forced her to watch them engaging in sexual acts.
When the teenager tried to turn her head away in distress, Crank physically held her head to keep her watching.
Later that evening, Huelin sexually assaulted her when she succumbed to their persistent demands.
Prosecutor Gary Woodhall described the situation as a pattern of highly concerning behavior, stating: "They encouraged young, probably vulnerable, teenagers to visit their flat.
They supplied alcohol and drugs to underage children.
In this unusual and highly inappropriate environment, they exploited the vulnerability of these young girls for their own sexual gratification." The court learned that these acts took place in an environment that was both dangerous and predatory.
Huelin denied the charges brought against him, maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.
However, after deliberation, the jury unanimously found him guilty of all charges.
In a related incident, the court also heard that Crank was involved in another offence involving a 15-year-old girl.
This girl had visited the same flat with a different group of friends on a separate occasion.
Details of this incident were also considered during the trial.
The couple is scheduled to be sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on May 31.
Huelin has been remanded in custody awaiting sentencing, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes.
Meanwhile, Crank has been released on unconditional bail, although her involvement and the court's findings signify her direct participation in these heinous acts.
