Eight members of a grooming gang have been convicted of sex offences against an under-age girl at a 'party house' in Bolton.

The convictions followed a three-month trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Four of the men were convicted of rape or attempted rape, while all were found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with the girl between the ages of 13 and 15 over a two-year period.

The jury was presented with evidence that the offences occurred at various locations, primarily at a 'party house' in Bolton where illegal drugs and alcohol were present. The gang reportedly introduced the girl, described as 'young, naïve and impressionable', to cocaine and cannabis.

Prosecutor Ben Lawrence stated, "She was groomed. As part of the grooming, and to lessen any objections, she was plied with alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. At various times she considered herself to be in a relationship with a number of the defendants. However, the feeling wasn't mutual."

He further explained that the defendants formed "a malign friendship group, which sought to prey on her once it became clear that another man had been able to have sex with her repeatedly."

The following individuals were convicted:

• Cory Barrett, 24 (08/10/00), Wigan: Convicted of five rapes and one offence of sexual assault by penetration. Not guilty of attempted sexual assault by penetration and attempted sexual activity with a child.
• Jack Poulson, 31 (25/04/1993), Bolton: Found guilty of two rapes, five counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual communications with a child. Not guilty of two counts of rape.
• Richard Oliver Haslam, 35 (16/02/1989), Bolton: Convicted of three rape offences, two of sexual activity with a child, and one of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
• Daniel Flatters, 34 (13/05/1990), Bolton: Found guilty of four offences of sexual activity with a child.
• Brandon Jacob Harwood, 25 (20/09/1999), Bolton: Found guilty of attempted rape and sexual activity with a child. Not guilty of one count of attempted rape and two counts of attempted sexual activity with a child.
• Elliott Turner, 26 (05/06/1988), Bolton: Convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child; not guilty of one count of rape.
• James Lee Fitzgerald, 36 (DOB 05/06/1988), Bolton: Convicted of one offence of sexual assault by penetration.
• Harvie Aspen, 25 (DOB 11/12/1999), Radcliffe, Bury: Found guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child; not guilty of one count of the same charge.

All defendants have been remanded in custody and will face sentencing at a date yet to be determined.