Survivor of rape in Rochdale bravely helps jail his abuser three decades later

A man who was abused by a rapist in Rochdale when aged just six-years-old has helped jail his abuser after bravely giving significant evidence over three decades on from the incident.

Ian Nixon - now aged 57 - was sentenced to over 13 years in prison on Monday (14 March) after pleading guilty to three offences including a rape from 1988.

Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Nixon abused the boy at a house in Rochdale when he was expected to look after him on three occasions between January 1988 and December 1989.

The victim contacted GMP to report the abuse in the summer of 2019 and was able to give police graphic detail of a number of incidents that he was subjected to by Nixon during the period of offending.

Detectives from Rochdale district's Child Protection Investigation Unit soon interviewed Nixon - who was now living in Blackpool - where he claimed he didn’t remember the victim and he couldn’t recall the incidents that had been described by the victim; but didn’t deny that they had occurred.

Nixon, currently of no fixed address, was later charged with buggery, indecent assault and gross indecency before pleading guilty in December 2021.

He has now been ordered to serve 13 years and four months in jail and has been made to sign the sex offenders' register.

The victim - now in his 30s - has been offered continuous support from specialist officers and partner agencies throughout the case.

Detective Constable Dave Neil, of GMP Rochdale's Child Protection Investigation Unit, said: "Firstly, I have to pay tribute to the patience and stoicism of the survivor of this depraved abuse, as it is his bravery when coming forward - and the subsequent detail of his evidence - that has ensured Nixon will now rightly spend many years behind bars.

"The campaign of sexual abuse that Nixon subjected his young and vulnerable victim to when he was supposed to be in his care was utterly appalling and something the boy has had to grow up dealing with mentally and emotionally all the way up to adulthood.

"It's clear that no abuser can escape the consequences of their actions, no matter how long ago their offending was, and we will do our utmost to bring anyone responsible for such deplorable abuse to justice; while doing all we can with our partners to listen and support any victim of recent or non-recent sexual harm."

---

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by telephoning 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.