PETER RANKILOR, MACCLESFIELD CLIMATE SCIENTIST, JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN MANCHESTER

In a shocking turn of events, Professor Peter Rankilor, a highly regarded climate change scientist from Macclesfield, Cheshire, has been sentenced to ten years in prison after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences against two young girls. The conviction follows a detailed investigation and a trial held at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, which concluded in January of this year.

Rankilor, aged 66, who has built a distinguished career as a geosynthetics expert, was arrested in October 2006 after a woman came forward to report that he had molested her during her childhood in the 1980s. The police investigation uncovered evidence that he had also abused another young girl, leading to charges of 24 sexual offences against children. The court heard that the abuse took place in the Altrincham area of Greater Manchester.

During the sentencing on Friday, Judge Mushtaq Khokhar addressed Rankilor directly, stating, “You robbed these girls of their innocence at a very early age. As far as the two victims are concerned, it is clear to me that both of them have been damaged because of the sexual abuse.” The judge emphasized the gravity of the offences, noting that the number and nature of the crimes left no alternative but to impose a custodial sentence.

Judge Khokhar also acknowledged Rankilor’s professional achievements, remarking, “You’re someone who has had a distinguished career. You have health problems and at your age any term in prison is going to be difficult for you. But you must realize that the matters of the offences and the number of them the only possible sentence I can impose is a custodial one.”

Rankilor’s academic credentials are extensive. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in geology from Nottingham University, a Master’s in Mining and Subsidence, and a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Salford University. He was a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and the Geological Society of London. For over three decades, he served as Managing Director of a consulting geotechnical practice and also held a position as a Visiting Professor at Bolton University.

Throughout his career, Rankilor lectured on climate change and its impact on civil engineering for the Institution of Civil Engineers and traveled extensively for research purposes. Despite his professional accomplishments, his reputation was marred by the criminal acts committed in the 1980s.

Anthony Longworth, prosecuting, stated, “The trial took place in January this year and he was convicted of all matters. The majority of the verdicts were unanimous.” He further noted, “The crown understands that he is a man of substantial needs and a multi-millionaire, whereas his victims are living in more straightened circumstances.”

In mitigation, defense lawyer Peter Rawling expressed regret, saying, “Clearly this is a sad case for all concerned and any sentence will be of a considerable length. You will know that Mr. Rankilor is 66 years of age and he has a doctor’s note indicating he is of ill health.”

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Paul Hatton of Greater Manchester Police commented, “Rankilor has left his victims scarred for life by the systematic abuse he subjected them to. Not content with having taken advantage of their trust in childhood, he has now forced them to relive the abuse by refusing to admit to his crimes and putting them through this trial. I just hope the result gives them some sense that justice has now been done.”