Rochdale man jailed for 15 years over historic child sexual abuse

A man from Rochdale has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of 10 historic child sexual abuse charges relating to a young girl and boy.

Christopher McGourlay, 63, was jailed on Friday 1 September after being found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault on a female under the age of 14, attempted rape of a girl under the age of 16 and the indecent assault of a male under the age of 14 years - in completely unrelated circumstances - by a jury at trial, on 19 July 2023.

The court heard how these abhorrent crimes, which took place in the early 1990s, had a huge impact on both victims.

DC Elisabeth Stacey, of the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) team based at Rochdale Police Station, said: "McGourlay has now begun a 15-year jail sentence for these despicable crimes against these victims and survivors, when they were both young children who had no idea what was happening to them.

"I want to thank the victims and survivors for the strength and dignity they have shown throughout this case, and the bravery they have had to bring this prosecution to a conclusion.

"Although nothing will ever give them their childhoods' back, I hope that this lengthy sentence gives them the time and space to come to terms with what they have been through and begin to heal.

"As a force, GMP are committed to investigating, locating and charging child sexual offenders, seeing prosecutions through the courts to sentencing, just like todays.

"If you, or someone you know, have been the subject of child sexual abuse, regardless of how long ago it was, then please get in touch with us. You will be listened to, and you will be believed.

"Please contact us on 101 or via our website www.gmp.police.uk. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999."

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Help and support

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 calling 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 on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

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