Sex beasts who groomed young boys with cash, cigarettes and alcohol jailed

Two men who groomed and sexually abused young boys with cash, cigarettes, and alcohol have been sentenced to jail after a four-week trial at Minshull Crown Court. David Marsh, 74, and Anthony Whitehead, 72, carried out despicable abuse over two decades in Rochdale. They targeted troubled and vulnerable teenagers, offering them gifts and treats before subjecting them to horrific acts. The court heard that the offences came to light in 2019 when one victim disclosed the abuse to authorities.

Detectives uncovered a pattern of abuse by Marsh and Whitehead, who were not known to each other but shared a similar modus operandi. The victims, from deprived backgrounds and in care, were intentionally preyed upon by the defendants. The impact of the abuse on the victims was profound, leading to drug addiction, criminal behaviour, and severe emotional trauma.

During the sentencing, both defendants were handed lengthy prison terms for their 35 offences. Marsh, who had a history of similar convictions, received 27 years, while Whitehead was sentenced to seven years. The survivors’ bravery in coming forward was commended, as their testimonies were crucial in securing justice for the victims. The court highlighted the defendants’ callous exploitation of vulnerable boys for their own gratification.

The profound and ongoing impact of the abuse on the survivors was acknowledged, with one victim expressing relief at the guilty verdict, and another seeking solace through healing and forgiveness. Both the Crown Prosecution Service and law enforcement agencies affirmed their commitment to pursuing justice for victims of child sexual exploitation.

The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the enduring trauma caused by such heinous crimes and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. The survivors’ courage in facing their abusers and seeking justice has been instrumental in ensuring that Marsh and Whitehead face the consequences of their actions.