June 2012 Man jailed for seven years for sexually abusing boy A man has been jailed for seven years and two months for sexually abusing a boy. Norman Marcroft of Symons Road, Sale, was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court today after pleading guilty to multiple counts of paedophilia.  The 57-year-old had admitted to four counts of sexual assault of a child, two counts of assault of a child by penetration, four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. Marcroft was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’Register, where his name will remain for the rest of his life. The abuse took place between August 2009 and October 2011, beginning when his victim was just seven years old. The court heard that he would force his victim into a private room to carry out the acts. Detective Constable Barry Conway said: “The victim showed bravery and informed his parents which is what lead to a police investigation. “Marcroft’s abuse had a terrible impact on his victim, and we would like to praise him and his family for their efforts in fully supporting our investigation. “Clearly this is an abusive man who cannot be trusted with children and we are pleased with the sentence that has been given today. We hope that the conclusion of this case can help him move on. “We would urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse to contact Greater Manchester Police. We have specially trained officers who are able to offer support and carry out thorough investigations.”