16 years imprisonment for man who raped and sexually assaulted a child
David Houghton, 46, of Stretford, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a child under 13, as well as forcing her to watch sexual images. The abuse began in 2013 when the victim was nine and continued over several years. Houghton was found guilty in November 2023 and will also be on the sex offender’s register for life. The victim bravely came forward in 2019, leading to his arrest and conviction. Authorities have urged other victims of sexual abuse to report incidents.
Stretford Man Jailed 16 Years for Child Sex Abuse
A Stretford man who began sexually abusing a nine-year-old girl in 2013 has been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment following his conviction on multiple child sex offences.
David Houghton, 46, of Milton Close, received a 15-year custodial sentence plus an additional 12-month licence period at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday, after being found guilty in November of rape, sexual assault, and causing a child under 13 to watch sexual images.
The abuse came to light in 2019 when the victim, then a teenager, disclosed that Houghton had subjected her to regular sexual assaults over several years in the Trafford area. Manchester Crown Court heard how Houghton, who abused his position of trust, threatened the girl to ensure her silence.
“Houghton’s treatment of a vulnerable young female was shocking and distressing,” said Detective Constable Emma Bentley. “Her courage to come forward and provide evidence has enabled us to pursue a prosecution and resulted in a lengthy prison sentence.”
Police first interviewed Houghton in 2019 following the girl’s disclosure. After a thorough investigation, he was charged and subsequently found guilty on all counts at trial. He will be required to sign the sex offender’s register for life.
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