RAYMOND GALBRAITH FROM FARNWORTH SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN IN BOLTON

In a case that has shocked the local community and brought to light the disturbing extent of child abuse, Raymond Galbraith, a 60-year-old man formerly residing in Farnworth, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 20 years for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against two young victims during the 1990s in Bolton.

Galbraith was found guilty at Bolton Crown Court of 15 separate counts of sexual abuse, including rape, involving one girl and one boy. The crimes spanned over a period of five years and involved acts of sexual violence and exploitation that have left deep scars on the victims. The court heard harrowing details of how Galbraith subjected the children to a regime of abuse that has been described as a “nightmare” by those close to the case.

Henry Blackshaw, the prosecutor, recounted that the female victim, who was just 12 and 13 years old at the time, struggled with the trauma but eventually found the strength to come forward. She expressed that her ordeal had left her feeling reborn after enduring the trial, and she now feels confident enough to leave her house and rebuild her life. Her testimony was a crucial part of the case that led to Galbraith’s conviction.

Meanwhile, the male victim provided a poignant victim impact statement, revealing how the abuse had profoundly affected his sense of self. He stated that he grew up aspiring to be “courageous and strong,” but Galbraith’s actions robbed him of his childhood innocence and left him with lasting emotional scars. The court heard that Galbraith raped the girl when she was 12 and 13, and he also forced the boy to perform sex acts on the girl while he watched. The two children, whose identities are protected by law, were also coerced into performing sexual acts on Galbraith himself.

Adding to the disturbing nature of the case, it was revealed that Galbraith would watch his friend, who has since passed away, carry out sexual acts on the girl. The abuse was uncovered after the female victim confided in a psychologist during her 17th session about the childhood trauma she endured. It was also disclosed that Galbraith physically abused both children in addition to the sexual offences.

Prosecutor Blackshaw emphasized the manipulative tactics used by Galbraith, noting that he would tell the girl that their secret was safe and that she was “special” to him, which left her confused and vulnerable. The defense, represented by Wayne Jackson, argued that Galbraith’s prison life has been difficult due to mobility issues stemming from a running accident in 2008.

Judge Peter Davies delivered the sentence, condemning Galbraith’s actions as “sexual corruption and exploitation of the most grotesque kind.” The judge stated that Galbraith had deliberately familiarized the children with his perverted actions, turning their lives into a “nightmare.” As part of his punishment, Galbraith was not only sentenced to 20 years in prison but also placed on a sexual offences register for life and barred from working with children and vulnerable adults in the future.