PETER TRANTER BIDDULPH CHILD RAPIST SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR ABUSE

In January 2023, a disturbing case of child abuse came to light involving Peter Tranter, a resident of Biddulph, who was convicted of heinous crimes against a young girl. The court heard that Tranter, aged 67, had engaged in a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse against his victim, spanning approximately two years.

Tranter's method of grooming the child was calculated and manipulative. He would often be seen in the streets of Biddulph, observing passersby, including the young girl. According to prosecutors, he began to establish a relationship with her by giving her small amounts of money—usually a couple of pounds—to buy sweets. Unbeknownst to the child, these acts were part of a sinister grooming process designed to lure her into his home.

Once he had gained her trust, Tranter would entice her into his flat with promises of more money and treats. It was during these visits that he committed multiple acts of sexual assault. The court was informed that he raped the girl on at least ten separate occasions, in addition to sexually assaulting her through other means. The victim, who bravely came forward, shared her harrowing experience with police in 2019, which ultimately led to Tranter's arrest.

Initially denying the allegations, Tranter's case proceeded to trial. However, on the fourth day, he pleaded guilty to two counts of raping a child under the age of 13, two counts of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration, and two counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13. The severity of his crimes was underscored by the impact statements from his victim, who revealed the profound psychological scars left by the abuse.

In her victim impact statement, she expressed her ongoing struggles, stating: “I’ve self-harmed to feel like I was in control of at least one thing in my life. After I finally opened up and spoke, it didn’t get any easier; it got so much harder. I lost any control I’d previously had. My self-harming worsened. I cut deeply into my arms as it was the only time I had control over my own pain.”

Judge Sally Hancox delivered a stern sentence, condemning Tranter’s actions as “an appalling example of predatory and abusive behaviour towards a little girl who at the time was powerless to fight back against you.” The court’s decision resulted in a 24-year prison term, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his young victim.