For over 30 years, troubled young boys in Rochdale fell victim to heinous crimes, unaware of the dangers looming in their environment. These boys were lured with alcohol, cigarettes, and cash, ultimately suffering sexual abuse.

The harrowing truth came to light when one brave victim spoke out, leading to the conviction of Anthony Whitehead and David Marsh for a series of sex offences following a four-week trial.

These perpetrators were among those sentenced this week in Greater Manchester, where the most severe offenders are being held accountable.

Lewis Skelton

Pensioner Lewis Skelton, 91, has been sentenced to four years in prison for ‘barbaric’ acts of child cruelty committed against three girls in the 1970s and 1980s. The Manchester Crown Court described his actions as nothing short of barbaric.

Michael Platt

Michael Platt, 42, has been sentenced to two years in prison after he attempted to smuggle nearly £100,000 worth of cannabis into the UK. Caught at Manchester Airport, he had accepted £10,000 and a holiday to Phuket in exchange for his actions. His legal representative noted that Platt had been facing personal difficulties, losing his job and home.

Anthony Whitehead and David Marsh

Following a four-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, David Marsh, 74, and Anthony Whitehead, 72, were convicted of grooming and sexually abusing boys in Rochdale between the 1980s and 1990s. They exploited vulnerable boys, providing them with cash, cigarettes, and alcohol before committing these vile acts.

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams, 55, has been sentenced to two years and two months for fraud after stealing over £50,000 from Winifred Hawthorn, a vulnerable elderly woman with no family. The crime took place while she was in a care home, and she passed away before her assailant faced justice.

Raja Khan

Raja Khan, 35, has been sentenced to three years and four months after hitting an 11-year-old boy while running a red light and fleeing the scene. The boy suffered significant injuries, including a brain injury and a collapsed lung, and remains permanently affected by the incident. Khan turned himself in to police the next day after evading capture.

Paul Martin

Drug boss Paul Martin was arrested upon his return to Manchester Airport after a trip to Thailand. Evidence from his phone uncovered the involvement of his accomplices, Callum Leigh and Layton Kormoss, in a cocaine distribution network. All three were charged and faced justice for their crimes.