RONALD CHRISTIE SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN PRISON IN MANCHESTER FOR ABUSING SCHOOLGIRLS

In April 2004, Ronald Christie, a 53-year-old man from Kipling Road, Derker, Oldham, was sentenced to two years in prison for abusing four schoolgirls. Christie, described as a paedophile, had lured the girls by suggesting they play a game of mummies and daddies, during which he repeatedly exposed himself and engaged in indecent behaviour over a six-week period in 2003. His actions escalated to more serious misconduct as his behaviour continued.

Father of two, Christie was eventually arrested after one of the girls confided in her mother, leading to police involvement. Prosecutors revealed that Christie posed a significant threat and danger to children.

At Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and ten counts of gross indecency with a child. The court also ordered that he be subject to an extended license for another two years due to the high risk of re-offending. Additionally, Christie was ordered to register as a sex offender for ten years and was banned from working with children indefinitely.

Judge Peter Lakin sentenced Christie, stating: "It is quite clear you thought only about your own sexual gratification and gave no thought whatsoever to the feelings and well-being of the young friends."

It was also revealed that Christie had three previous convictions for indecent exposure dating back to 1967.

Prosecutor Suzanne Goddard detailed the progression of Christie’s misconduct, describing how he initially exposed himself to the eldest girl, and then extended his actions to include her three friends. One victim later told police that Christie suggested, "You be mummy and I’ll be daddy and we’ll play making babies."

Another girl, overwhelmed with distress during police testimony, had to be taken home after her visit to give evidence. She confided to her mother, saying, "I didn’t want to say anything, ’cos Ronnie will get us."

Mrs. Goddard emphasized that the children felt "very scared, too scared to tell." Although Christie initially claimed that some incidents were accidental, he later admitted their wrongfulness. He expressed confusion over his actions, stating, “I just thought it was normal ’cause nobody was telling me to stop.”

Defense solicitor Mr. Richard Vardon described Christie as genuinely remorseful, adding, "He is a man who has yet to come to terms fully with his own past. It is no surprise to this court that often the abused becomes the abuser."