A 26-year-old Salford man is jailed for 12 years for the grooming and rape of a 12-year-old girl

Shamus Harte (07/06/1996) of Lower Broughton, was today (Wednesday 16 August 2023) jailed for 12 years at Manchester Crown Court, after pleading guilty to the following offences:

• Meeting a child following sexual grooming
• Four counts of making indecent photographs of a child
• Two counts of rape of a child under 13 years of age
• Abduction of a child
• Possession of a bladed article

Harte was also sentenced for theft and handling stolen goods offences completely unrelated to this case.

The court heard how, over a period of time, after engaging with the youngster via social media platforms, Harte obtained indecent images of her. He would also then regularly meet her in Broughton Park, where Harte would capture some of their encounters on his mobile phone.

Harte was arrested in March 2022 on suspicion of meeting a female child under 16 following sexual grooming and subsequently arrested in October 2022 for child abduction and possession of a bladed article. After reviewing his mobile devices, which contained child sexual abuse images and videos, Harte was charged with further offences of rape of a child under 13 years old and remanded in custody. 

Welcoming in the sentence, DS Hannah Rudd and PS Camron Pierre, who were with the Complex Safeguarding Hub at the time of the investigation, said: "First of all, we would like to thank the victim and survivor in this case, and her family, who have shown dignity, bravery and strength in seeing this through to conviction and sentencing.

"We know that no amount of time is going to erase what Harte subjected her to, but we hope that today's result goes some way in allowing them to process what has happened and to begin to heal.

"This investigation was a long and complex one, in which the City of Manchester Complex Safeguarding Hub (CSH) worked tirelessly to gather evidence against Harte and see him subsequently locked up.

"This result showcases the multi-agency work between the CSH, social workers and local council, and we are happy that Harte is off the streets and no longer a threat to young girls.

"GMP is committed to bringing perpetrators of these crimes to justice and would ask if you or someone you know are concerned about a child, then please come forward. We will listen and investigate every allegation."

If you or someone you know are concerned about a child’s welfare, you are asked to 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 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.