MARK BOLTON FROM STOCKPORT JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON BUS PASSENGERS IN GREATER MANCHESTER
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Mark Bolton, a 57-year-old retired civil servant residing in Stockport, has been sentenced to prison for his disturbing conduct towards young women on public transportation in Greater Manchester.The incidents, which occurred in August of the previous year, involved Bolton deliberately targeting female bus passengers, causing them significant distress and fear.
According to reports, Bolton engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behavior by sitting next to young women on the bus and then forcing his business cards between their breasts over their clothing.
He would then ask them out for drinks, claiming to collect football memorabilia, a detail he used to appear more personable before his actions turned invasive.
Witnesses described how Bolton’s actions left the victims feeling vulnerable and intimidated, with one victim recounting that he smiled at her as he disembarked from the bus.
Police were able to identify Bolton after one of the women retained a business card he had given her, which contained his name and address.
She handed the card over to authorities, leading to his swift arrest.
When officers visited Bolton’s home, they discovered more incriminating evidence, including a letter revealing his sexual fantasies about a local police sergeant.
Bolton’s residence, located in Stockport, was thoroughly searched, and the business cards he used to harass the women were confiscated.
These cards are set to be destroyed as part of the court proceedings.
One of the victims, an 18-year-old woman, provided a heartfelt statement to police, describing her emotional turmoil following the incident.
She said, “While it was all happening I was very uncomfortable and upset.
I almost felt dirty and it has almost changed the way I look at people.
When I go into town with friends I now feel threatened by the people walking past me and I am always on my guard.
I am now terrified to get on a bus and this affects how I can see my friends.
I have had to rely on my mum to take me to see friends.
I am going to university but this is going to cause me real problems as not being able to get the bus will have a huge impact on me.” The second victim, a 25-year-old woman, also expressed her distress, stating, “I do not want to be touched.
His actions made me feel like some kind of object.
I have no other way of getting to work but I am scared getting on the bus and seeing this man again.” During his trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Bolton admitted to two counts of sexual assault by touching.
He pleaded with the court for leniency, claiming he was “isolated and wanted company,” but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
The judge, Tina Landale, sentenced him to 16 months in prison and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict his future conduct.
Additionally, the court ordered that the stack of business cards found at his home be destroyed to prevent further misuse.
Judge Landale emphasized the broader implications of Bolton’s actions, stating, “Offences like this cause all women to fear travelling on public transport.
No doubt young men also feel fear, but in particular young women fear this type of assault.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding individuals from sexual harassment and assault in public spaces, especially on everyday modes of transportation that are relied upon by countless residents in Greater Manchester.
