Chadderton raid enables GMP to make 70th arrest in pursuit of suspected non-recent child sexual offenders in the region
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) made their 70th arrest in Operation Green Jacket, targeting non-recent child sexual offenders, with a 77-year-old former social worker arrested in Chadderton for indecent assault dating back to 1994. The operation focuses on supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice, with the first trial set for March 2025.
77-Year-Old Former Social Worker Arrested in Historic Child Sex Abuse Investigation
Greater Manchester Police arrested a 77-year-old man in Chadderton yesterday morning, marking the 70th arrest under Operation Green Jacket, a multi-agency investigation into child sexual exploitation in South Manchester during the early 2000s.
The suspect, a retired Manchester City Council social worker, was taken into custody on suspicion of indecent assault allegedly committed in 1994. Police confirmed he is no longer in a position of trust.
The operation, led by GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team, has been working with partner agencies to identify victims and suspects while providing support to survivors. The investigation’s first trial is scheduled to begin March 3, 2025, at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court.
Christopher Oates, 44, of Stockport, faces charges including three counts of engaging in underage sex with a 14-year-old girl, intentionally causing sexual exploitation of minors, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Detective Chief Inspector Zaheer Ali emphasized the investigation’s victim-centered approach: “Our focus rightly remains on our victims and survivors who have bravely come forward to speak to us about what they experienced, trusting us to pursue those responsible, and bring them to justice.”
Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, stated: “We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police as part of Operation Green Jacket and to ensure that no stone is left unturned in seeking justice for victims of child sexual exploitation or other abuse and relentlessly pursuing perpetrators.”
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