Mark Edmonds, 61, from Bolton, has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of a string of sexual offences, including possessing over 3,000 indecent images. The sentence follows two underage victims coming forward to report his abuse.
Arrest and investigation
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrested Edmonds after one survivor disclosed that he had been touching her and taking inappropriate images of her. A second underage victim was later identified when she told a friend that Edmonds had been forcing her to engage in sexual activity.
GMP's Child Protection Investigation Unit arrested Edmonds earlier this year and found over 3,000 indecent images on his devices, some of which related to the two victims.
Sentencing and charges
Edmonds pleaded guilty to 15 charges, including eight counts of sexual assault and multiple counts of possessing indecent images of children in Categories A, B, and C. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order.
Detective Constable Hannah Young from the CPIU commended both girls and their families for their courage and support throughout the investigation. She said: "I'd like to commend both girls and their families for their continued support and immense courage from their initial disclosures all the way through to sentencing. Their strength and determination has held Edmonds accountable for his actions."
Young added: "I understand that recognising and reporting sexual offences is incredibly difficult, but I hope this sentencing sends a clear message that we take reports of this nature very seriously, and will always support victims through the entire investigation to bring them justice."
She also urged other victims to come forward: "If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, please know that you are not alone and support is always available."
