A 76-year-old man has been jailed for 12 months after admitting to the sexual abuse of a teenage girl he groomed when she was just 13 years old.
Tony Drewitt, of Hazon Way, Epsom, Surrey, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Square Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child.
The court heard that Drewitt was 69 when he first met his victim, who was 13 years old at the time. He then groomed her and engaged in sexual activity with her over a one-year period while she was aged 14.
Some of the offending took place in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
In addition to his prison sentence, Drewitt has been placed on the sex offenders register for five years and made subject to an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting the victim.
Detective Sergeant Andy Barrett, of Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham Complex Safeguarding Hub, praised the victim’s courage in coming forward.
Firstly, I would like to thank the victim and their family for being brave enough to come forward and report this abuse to the police,” he said.
Drewitt engaged in a prolonged period of grooming a young girl, who should have been free to enjoy her childhood. Instead, she was abused by a man who denied her of her youth.
DS Barrett added: “I hope today’s sentencing can provide the victim and their family some comfort knowing that Drewitt is behind bars and can no longer harm them.”
We encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to come forward and speak to the police. We will listen to you and we will investigate.”
The case comes as Greater Manchester continues to tackle child sexual exploitation, with this being one of several recent prosecutions in the region.
Greater Manchester Police emphasised that reports of sexual abuse can be made via 101 or through the Live Chat function on their website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Support Services Available:
Victims of sexual assault are encouraged not to suffer in silence and can access support through several specialist services:
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides comprehensive support to men, women and children who have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, and counselling services for all ages. Services are available 24 hours a day on 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis offers confidential information, support and counselling 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-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Police stressed that if anyone has concerns about potential abuse, they should report it – emphasising their message: “Remember – if in doubt report it.
The sentencing serves as a reminder that historical sexual offences against children will be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of when they occurred or the age of the perpetrator.
