Man jailed for sex abuse

John Tatton

A man who repeatedly abused a teenage girl has today, Monday 7 January 2013, been jailed.

John Tatton, born 16/6/40, of Mynors Street, Hanley, Stoke On Trent, but formerly of Duke Street, Rochdale, was convicted of a number of sexual offences following a five day trial at Bolton Crown Court.

He was convicted of five offences of sexual activity with a child and one offence of sexual assault.

He was today sentenced to four years imprisonment and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The victim, who was 15-years-old at the time of the abuse, had been going through some difficult times at home and started to form friendships with a number of other teenage girls who had chaotic lifestyles involving alcohol, drugs and eventual sexual exploitation.

She moved into a house in Heywood where she lived with a number of these other girls.

Tatton, who owned the house, told the victim she couldn't live there rent free and had to pay for her stay with sexual favours.

She was reluctant but then coerced into it by Tatton. She was sexually abused by Tatton repeatedly over the course of six months.

Around this time the victim was also being abused by a group of men who were eventually convicted and sentenced to a total of 77 years as part of GMP's Operation Span investigation into CSE in Rochdale.

Detective Constable Dave South, of the Sexual Crimes Unit, said: "Tatton is a sexual predator who took complete advantage of a vulnerable teenage girl.

"He subjected her to a campaign of abuse over a six month period, during which she was forced to submit to him to 'pay' for her rent.

"Tatton is clearly a danger to young people and I hope today's sentence provides a level of reassurance to his victim."

Anyone who is concerned about a child or young person should call Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in emergencies. You can also call the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000. Any child or young person wanting help and advice can use the numbers above or contact Childline on 0800 1111.

Please also call the Runaway Helpline on 0808 800 70 70 if you need help. The helpline provides free 24 hour confidential support, help and advice