A ‘remorseless’ Salford man who sexually abused five children in a series of non-recent crimes has been jailed.
Michael John Worton, 73, five counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child and eight counts of indecent assault on a male person.
Worton, of Moss Colliery Road, Swinton, was sentenced to three years in prison and three further years on license upon his release and will be on the sex offenders register for life.
He was found guilty of 16 offences by a jury at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 4 November.
But Greater Manchester Police believe they may not have revealed the full extent of Worton’s depraved crimes and officers have appealed for anyone who may have been subjected to sexual abuse by him, or with any information, to come forward.
Worton’s conviction came after five victims came forward to report the abuse they experienced as children during the 1970s and 1980s, when Worton worked on a farm and in a children’s home.
Police have commended their bravery for helping to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Detective Constable Nathan Roscoe, from GMP Salford district, said: “It’s with thanks to the great bravery of these victim-survivors in coming forward and disclosing the abuse they were subjected to that we have been able to bring this despicable man to some long-awaited justice.
“Worton preyed on vulnerable young children while he worked in positions of trust in the local community. He should be ashamed of himself, and that shame lies solely with him.”
At his court appearance, Worton denied all charges and went to trial. He showed no remorse in court throughout the course of the two weeks and was subsequently found guilty by jury of the following 16 offences: five counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, and eight counts of indecent assault on a male person.
We believe that there are other victims that were sexually abused by Worton, and officers are appealing for anyone who may have been subjected to sexual abuse by him, or who may have any information, to please come forward and help us with our enquiries.
Detective Constable Nathan Roscoe, from GMP Salford district, said: “It’s with thanks to the great bravery of these victim-survivors in coming forward and disclosing the abuse they were subjected to that we have been able to bring this despicable man to some long-awaited justice.
“Worton preyed on vulnerable young children while he worked in positions of trust in the local community. He should be ashamed of himself, and that shame lies solely with him.”
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood, district commander for Salford, said: “I pay tribute to the victims in this case for their courage to ensure Worton is finally behind bars.
“We believe there may be further witnesses and victims in relation to this investigation and want to take this opportunity to appeal for them to please come forward.
“Whether it be abuse against the children of today or yesterday, our specialist officers are determined to make child sexual abusers ultimately face justice for the harm they have inflicted.
“You will be believed no matter the passage of time, and we will listen to you and work with you at a pace that is best for you. We have specialist officers who can support you and help you through the process.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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