Rochdale man sentenced to 15 years in prison for historic child sex abuse

A Rochdale man has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of 10 counts of historic child sex abuse involving a girl and boy.

 

Christopher McGourlay, 63, was jailed on Friday September 1 after being found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault of a female under 14, attempted rape of a girl under 16 and indecent assault decent for a man under 16 years old. 14 years old – in completely unrelated circumstances – by a jury during a trial on July 19, 2023.

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

DC Elisabeth Stacey, from the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) team based at Rochdale Police Station, said:
“McGourlay has now begun a 15-year prison sentence for these despicable crimes against these victims and survivors, when they were both children who did not know 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 courage they have shown in bringing this prosecution to a successful conclusion . “While nothing can bring back their childhood, I hope this long statement will give them the time and space to accept what they have been through and begin to heal.

“As a force, GMP is committed to investigating, identifying and charging child sex offenders, prosecuting through the courts to sentencing, as they do today.

“If you or someone you know has been a victim of child sexual abuse, no matter how long ago, please contact us. You will be listened to and trusted.

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

Help and support

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

– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Center in Manchester provides a comprehensive, coordinated response to men, women and children who are living or have been sexually assaulted in Greater Manchester. They provide forensic examinations, practical and emotional support, and counseling services for all ages. The service is available 24 hours a day and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515. – Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a women-run confidential information, support and counseling service 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 support to male survivors in Greater Manchester who are victims of sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

FIND OUT MORE

Blue Badge owners wanting to visit Rochdale Town Hall following the redevelopment will have to park in the Smith Street car park, approximately 480 meters away.

With the creation of a new pedestrianized Town Hall square on the old Town Hall car park, 18 parking spaces for Blue Badge holders have been lost, and the council has now revealed that the Additional Blue Badge space has been added almost half a kilometer away. The walking distance from the former Mecca Bingo’s Smith Street car park to the Town Hall – via Smith Street and South Parade – is 483m, while the Esplanade spaces are around a 321m walk.