Ten men charged with over 50 offences relating to child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Bolton

GMP yesterday (Thursday 2 March 2023) secured charges for 10 men linked to an investigation into child sexual exploitation between 2016 and 2018 in the Blackrod area of Bolton.

• Ashley Darbyshire, (01/01/1997), of Westhoughton has been charged with a total of 15 offences, including five counts of rape of a female under the age of 16, seven counts of sexual activity with a female under 16, three counts of inciting a female under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity

• Harvie Aspden, (11/12/1999), of Bolton has been charged with three counts of sexual activity with a female under 16

• Cory Barrett, (08/10/00), of Wigan has been charged with a total of seven offences in total including three counts of rape of a female under 16, two counts of sexual activity with a female under the age of 16 and two counts of sexual assault of a female under the age of 16

• Daniel Flatters, (13/05/1990), of Bolton has been charged with a total of four offences including one count of rape of a female under the age of 16, two counts of sexual activity with a female under the age of 16 and one count of aggravated TWOC

• Jack Poulson, (25/04/1993), of Bolton has been with charged with a total of 10 offences, including four counts of rape of a female under 16, five counts of sexual activity with a female under the age of 16 and one count of sexual communication with a female under the age of 16

• Jamie Fitzgerald, (05/06/1988), of Bolton, has been charged with one count of sexual activity with a female under the age of 16

• Elliott Turner, (05/06/1988), of Bolton, has been charged with one count of rape of a female under the age of 16

• Ross Corley, (14/01/1995), of Bolton has been charged with two counts of sexual activity with a female under the age of 16

• Brandon Harwood, (20/09/1999), of Bolton, is charged with three counts of sexual activity with a female under the age of 16

• Richard Haslam, (16/02/1989), of Bolton has been charged with a total of five offences, including three counts of rape of a female under the age of 16 and two counts of sexual activity with a female under the age of 16

These charges come following an investigation – Operation Pavarotti – which was launched in 2018, following the disclosure of numerous offences from multiple victims that had taken place over the previous 2 years in the Blackrod and Adlington areas.

All 10 defendants have now been charged with these offences and will appear at Bolton Combined Court on Tuesday 4 April 2023.

Detective Inspector Dave Sinclair, of GMP's Bolton CID, said: "These charges are significant in our fight against child sexual exploitation and we are committed to bringing those who commit these crimes to justice.

"A significant and exhaustive investigation has been conducted and the victims in this case are being supported by specialist officers at this time, and we thank them for their continued bravery and strength.

“We would like to reassure the public that reports of these types of crimes are taken seriously and we will act on any information provided.

“If you, or someone you know, has any information or concerns, we urge you to contact GMP via 101 or anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.”

Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE or 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.