PAUL WARD SENTENCED IN SALE FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN OLD TRAFFORD

In a significant case that has brought justice to two young victims, Paul Ward, a man from Sale, was formally sentenced at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square on Monday, 24 February 2014. The court handed down a prison term of four years to Ward, who was found guilty of committing indecent assaults against two girls during the mid-1990s. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure designed to protect the community from any future harm.

Ward, born on 22 January 1964, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault during an earlier hearing, acknowledging his guilt in the disturbing case. The assaults took place between 1994 and 1996 in Old Trafford, where the two victims, both under the age of six at the time, endured prolonged sexual abuse at the hands of Ward. The details of the case have been deeply distressing, highlighting the long-lasting impact of his actions on the victims.

One of the victims provided a heartfelt impact statement, describing the profound and lasting trauma inflicted by Ward. She recounted feeling powerless, worthless, and overwhelmed by confusion during the abuse. She explained that the acts left her feeling sore and questioning her worth, asking herself why she was being hurt and what she had done to deserve such treatment. Her statement revealed how the abuse affected her perception of life, leading to feelings of isolation and fear. As she grew older, her fear transformed into anger, and she struggled with trust issues, especially towards social workers and authority figures, whom she believed had dismissed her pleas for help.

The victim also shared that her life has been marred by mental health struggles, including Bipolar Disorder, depression, and anxiety, which she attributes to the trauma she endured. She expressed her heartbreak over being unable to hold her own children or have a normal family life, feeling that her innocence and ability to parent had been stolen from her. Her statement conveyed a sense of loss and despair, emphasizing that while she does not harbor hatred or wishes for pain upon Ward, she hopes he receives the maximum sentence for his calculated and sickening acts. She concluded her statement with a plea for justice, asking that Ward be given the same mercy he showed her during the abuse.

Detective Constable Nicola Graham from Trafford division commented on the case, emphasizing the difficulty in comprehending the extent of Ward’s abuse. She highlighted that Ward subjected his victims to sustained sexual assaults over a period of two years, a period during which the victims demonstrated remarkable bravery by assisting law enforcement in bringing him to justice. Graham expressed relief that Ward is now behind bars and will no longer pose a threat to others.

GMP (Greater Manchester Police) reiterated their commitment to taking all reports of sexual abuse seriously, regardless of how much time has passed or the age of the victims. They encourage anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault to contact police at 101 or call 999 in emergencies. The force has specially trained officers ready to support victims through the criminal justice process. Additionally, victims can reach out to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester at 0161 276 6515, which offers comprehensive forensic, counseling, and medical aftercare services around the clock. These services are accessible through self-referral or via police assistance, ensuring victims receive the support they need to begin healing from their trauma.