Man jailed for sexually abusing two girls in the 1970s

Wednesday, 30 May 2018 07:00

A Trafford pensioner has been jailed after sexually abusing two teenagers in the 1970s.

Robert Girdlestone, 75, of Sefton Road, Sale was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the sexual abuse of two children during the 1970s at Preston Crown Court.

The court heard how Girdlestone subjected two girls, who were under 10 when the offences began happening, to sexual abuse for several years in Sale.

Girdlestone installed a lock on his living room door so that when he sexually assaulted the girls he could hide this from his family.

He would also sexually assault the girls in a bathroom.

Girdlestone’s behaviour then escalated to raping one of the girls, which he did on a number of occasions.

After one of the victims came forward to police about Girdlestone’s offences an investigation was launched in June 2014.

After a number of delays for ill-health and following Girdlestone’s failure to turn up to court for a previous trial, he was found guilty of 14 counts of rape and sexual assault of a child.

Detective Constable Paul Walls of GMP’s Trafford Borough, said: “Girdlestone’s behaviour is absolutely sickening, he subjected two young girls to his twisted desires for years.

“Girdlestone’s decision to hide his depraved actions from his family using a lock was a significant factor in the case against him and ultimately helped secure his conviction.

“I cannot praise the victims enough, both for their bravery in coming forward and telling police what had happened, and for the strength they have shown during the trial.

“While we cannot undo Girdlestone’s abhorrent abuse, I hope knowing he will spend the next 16 years behind bars will bring them some comfort.”

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.