ROBERT JACKSON'S HORRIFIC CRIMES IN PONTEFRACT, WEST DIDSBURY, AND WYTHENSHAWE

In a series of deeply disturbing criminal acts spanning several decades, Robert Jackson, a man with a history of heinous child abuse, has once again been convicted of further offences, highlighting his continued predatory behavior. The latest incident, which led to his sentencing in Manchester Crown Court, involved a victim who has since become a mother, revealing the lasting trauma inflicted by Jackson's vile actions.

Jackson, now aged 59, was previously sentenced in 2009 to a 21-year prison term after being found guilty of committing 53 counts of child sex abuse against 12 young girls. His earlier crimes, which included indecency, indecent assault, rape, and attempted rape, were committed while he was residing in the areas of West Didsbury and Wythenshawe, both in Manchester. These offences spanned from 1980 into the 2000s, revealing a long history of predatory conduct.

He was arrested in October 2008 while living at Northfield Avenue in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, after authorities uncovered his disturbing activities. During his trial, it was revealed that Jackson had concealed his true nature behind a facade of a caring churchgoer and an amateur football referee, making his crimes even more shocking. Despite his convictions, Jackson has continued to deny any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence even as he faces new charges.

The recent case involved a victim who, at the time of the abuse, was a young girl. Jackson lured her with promises of showing her 'magic tricks' and even claimed he would demonstrate 'how babies were made.' The court heard that these were not tricks but manipulative tactics used to exploit the child. The victim, now an adult and a mother, described how her ordeal has profoundly affected her behavior towards her own children. She expressed her fears, stating she would not let her children play outside unless they carried panic alarms, underscoring the lasting impact of Jackson's abuse.

Following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, a jury unanimously found Jackson guilty of indecency with a child and indecent assault. The court sentenced him to an additional five years in prison, to run concurrently with his previous 21-year sentence. However, this new sentence will influence his eligibility for parole, effectively extending the time before he can seek release. Judge Timothy Smith, presiding over the case, expressed his disapproval of Jackson's apparent lack of remorse, stating, “There’s absolutely no sign to me of any change in you, and no sign of any remorse.”

Judge Smith described Jackson as 'devious' and 'predatory,' emphasizing that his behavior was 'vile, abhorrent, and wicked,' especially considering his previous record. The judge pointed out that Jackson's earlier good character was a facade, concealing his true nature as a serial child abuser. The court also noted that Jackson's actions posed a significant danger to children, and his continued lack of remorse was deeply troubling.

During the sentencing, the judge highlighted that Jackson's previous release date was anticipated to be in February 2023, but the new sentence will now prevent him from applying for parole until the full term is served. Jackson was already ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life in 2009, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to society.

In the 2009 sentencing, Jackson's crimes were described as extending over a quarter of a century, with his victims being young girls in the Manchester area. The public gallery at Manchester Crown Court responded with applause and cheers as Jackson was sentenced, and one individual even threw a drinks bottle at him, which bounced harmlessly off the glass surrounding the dock. The court heard that Jackson's offences had taken place in West Didsbury and Wythenshawe, areas known for their community and family-oriented environments, making his crimes all the more shocking to the local community.

Throughout the proceedings, Jackson showed no visible emotion, maintaining a stoic demeanor. Judge Robert Atherton, who sentenced him in 2009, described the offences as 'particularly harrowing,' noting that Jackson had manipulated his victims by presenting his abuse as a game. The judge warned that Jackson remains a dangerous individual, with a very serious risk of committing further offences that could cause significant psychological harm to children.

As Jackson continues to serve his sentences, the court's verdict underscores the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from predators like him. His case remains a stark reminder of the long-lasting scars inflicted by such heinous crimes and the ongoing need for safeguarding measures in communities across Manchester, West Didsbury, Wythenshawe, and beyond.