Middleton man jailed for 15 years after pleading guilty to historic child sexual offences

Photo: Greater Manchester Police

Mark Crossley

A man from Middleton has been jailed for 15 years after pleading guilty to 14 counts of child sexual offences against two children in Rochdale from 2013 to 2020.

Mark Crossley, 28, was sentenced on Wednesday (4 October) at Minshull Street Crown Court.

The court heard Crossley’s offences took place was after visiting a trusted person’s house who when inside was faced with inappropriate behaviour and actions towards those who were underage, sometimes resulting in rewards to confuse their actions.

After not being able to understand the seriousness or confident enough to report the behaviour that occurred at such a young age, the victims later came forward after finding out what really happened.

What followed was an in-depth investigation from Greater Manchester Police once authorities made officers aware.

Detective Constable Elizabeth Stacey of GMP Rochdale Child Sexual Exploitation team said: “I would once again like to commend the bravery and courage of the victims in this case who were subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a person who didn’t really care for them, when they should.

“Hopefully the sentencing of Crossley means they can start their own healing process from the memories and experiences they faced at such a young age.

“Hopefully they can take some comfort he cannot commit these offences again whilst behind bars but as a force and a specialised team we are committed to continue our pursuit of bringing justice to all victims of child sexual abuse, with co-ordinated work ongoing to help prevent this from happening again in the future.”

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, you can contact Greater Manchester Police via gmp.police.uk or by dialling 101. You can also share information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.