Two paedophiles have been jailed for grooming and sexually abusing boys, now men, in Bolton in the 1980s and 1990s thanks to the brave survivors who spoke out against them.

David Marsh, 74, from Northenden, and Anthony Whitehead, 72, from Atherton, were sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after a jury unanimously found them guilty of 35 sex offences on boys aged between nine and 13. 

As well as Bolton, the offending also took place in Rochdale and Manchester. 

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) specialist investigators began a comprehensive five-year investigation back in 2019, after one of the survivors confided in a person of authority that he had been sexually abused by Marsh as boy. 

Detectives from GMP Rochdale’s Complex Safeguarding Team – one of 10 such dedicated teams across every town and city in Greater Manchester – and the Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team, worked meticulously to identify any other survivors. 

Officers were able to build a clear picture of a history of offending by Marsh and Whitehead, who did not know each other, through several enquiries and extensive background work.

The two men preyed upon boys and exploited their vulnerabilities, taking them to other parts of Manchester while they groomed them with cigarettes, alcohol and money. 

They abused the boys and discarded them to deal with years of trauma and pain, as they carried on with their seemingly ‘ordinary’ lives. 

One of the victims has spoken of feeling “knee-deep in shame”, with most – if not all – having a mistrust of authority, including police. Officers have worked thoroughly to work at the victims’ pace and build trust throughout the duration of the case.

Detectives uncovered evidence of Marsh’s sinister attraction to children – with video footage he had taken in Thailand of him interacting with a group of young boys being used as part of the prosecution case in court. 

Officers believe that there may be others affected by this case and have urged victims to come forward when they are ready.

Marsh was sentenced to 27 years and Whitehead was sentenced to seven years. Both must serve at least two thirds of their sentence. 

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Detective Constable Andrea Richards, who has worked on this case from the start, said: “I want to commend the male survivors who have played a crucial role in bringing these abhorrent abusers to long-awaited justice. 

“It was incredibly brave of them to speak about their abuse in what was a difficult and painful process for them to have to go through. 

“These depraved men are exactly where they should be, in jail, away from causing our communities and those within it any further harm. 

(Image: Greater Manchester Police) “There may be others affected by Marsh and Whitehead’s separate campaigns of offending, and we would like to let all survivors of sexual abuse know that we are here to listen to them when they are ready, at a pace they feel comfortable with. 

“There are also several agencies, that are not the police, who we work closely with to support survivors for those who would feel more comfortable taking this approach. 

“We continue to be on an upward improvement journey in how we tackle CSE – whether it be the abuse of children yesterday or today.

“We hope that this conviction, and our continuously improving outcomes for victims, give survivors that we will ensure time is no barrier to justice.”  

Officers encourage those who believe they, or someone they know, has been raped or sexually assaulted, to report it to the police or a support agency for help and support available.

Wendy Chappell, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West’s rape and serious sexual offence unit, said: “Marsh conducted a vile campaign of sexual abuse on children as young as nine, while Whitehead sexually abused a fourteen-year-old boy.

“They acted solely for their own self-gratification, with no thought for the life-changing trauma their abuse would cause.

“These convictions send a very clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service, working alongside our law enforcement colleagues, will relentlessly pursue justice for victims and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place.

“I would like to thank the men for reporting their abuse and making it possible to build this case and bring these sexual predators to justice.”

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. 

Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk