Man jailed for 15 years after pleading guilty to child sexual offences

Mark Crossley (21/04/1995) of Hopwood Court, Middleton was sentenced to 15 years at Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday 4 October 2023 after pleading guilty to 14 counts of child sexual offences against two children in Rochdale from 2013 to 2020.

This was after visiting a trusted person’s house who when inside was faced with inappropriate behaviour and actions towards those who were underage, sometimes resulting in rewards to confuse their actions. After not being able to understand the seriousness or confident enough to report the behaviour that occurred at such a young age, the victims later came forward after finding out what really happened. What followed was an in-depth and swift investigation from Greater Manchester Police once authorities made officers aware.

Detective Constable Elizabeth Stacey of GMP Rochdale Child Sexual Exploitation team said; “I would once again like to commend the bravery and courage of the victims in this case who were subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a person who didn’t really care for them, when they should.

“Hopefully the sentencing of Crossley means they can start their own healing process from the memories and experiences they faced at such a young age. Hopefully they can take some comfort he cannot commit these offences again whilst behind bars but as a force and a specialised team we are committed to continue our pursuit of bringing justice to all victims of child sexual abuse, with co-ordinated work ongoing to help prevent this from happening again in the future.”

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare you can contact Greater Manchester Police via gmp.police.uk or by dialling 101. You can also share information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111

Could you spot a child who is at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)?

Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting"); increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.

- If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 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.