ROCHDALE SEX OFFENDER WAYNE WHITWORTH SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL

In a significant development in the fight against sexual crimes, Wayne Whitworth, a man from Rochdale, has been sentenced to prison for offenses committed against a teenage girl during the 1980s. The case, which spanned several decades, finally reached its conclusion after the victim, who endured repeated abuse over a three-year period, found the strength to come forward and report her ordeal to authorities.

According to court proceedings at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Whitworth, aged 42 at the time of sentencing, was responsible for a series of heinous acts against the young girl. The court heard that he subjected her to multiple instances of rape and indecent assault, with the abuse occurring over an extended period during her adolescence. The victim, who chose to remain anonymous, only disclosed her experiences to the police in February of the previous year, many years after the abuse had ceased.

Following her disclosure, law enforcement officials launched a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. Whitworth was swiftly arrested and subsequently charged with multiple serious offenses. During the trial, he admitted to three counts of raping a girl under 16 and three counts of indecently assaulting a girl under 14. His guilty pleas led to his sentencing, which resulted in a five-year prison term. Additionally, Whitworth, who does not have a fixed address, was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

Detective Inspector Caroline Ward, who is based in Rochdale, commented on the case, emphasizing the systematic nature of Whitworth’s abuse. She stated, “Whitworth abused his victim systematically over a number of years. Years passed after the cycle of abuse finished and Whitworth must have been confident he had got away with his crimes. However, his victim bravely decided to contact the police and trusted us to conduct a thorough investigation. It is testimony to her courage that we are now able to say justice has caught up with Whitworth.”

Authorities continue to encourage victims of sexual assault or rape to come forward. Anyone who has experienced such crimes is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police at 101. Support services are also available through the St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which can be reached at 0161 276 6515, providing vital assistance to those in need of help and guidance.