Historic sex assault conviction and sentencing.

An 82-year-old former social worker has been found guilty of four counts of indecent assault and one of attempted serious sexual assault against a boy in the 1970s.

The man, James Gavin, of Rochdale was jailed for 17 years.

Following the sentencing PC Karen Bancroft described the defendant as "a twisted, manipulative predator".

The court heard how Gavin, who had access to a young boy through his role as a social worker, would drive the victim to a location where he would sexually assault him.

The boy did not report the offences at the time because he feared he would get into trouble, or that no one would believe him. He was eventually able to notify police in 2015. Following an investigation Gavin was arrested and interviewed but continued to deny the offences.

Speaking of the case, Grace Monteith of the CNCI team said "this is another case where historic incidents of sexual assault and abuse have resulted in conviction and a lengthy term of imprisonment.  It is tragic that the victim has had to live with the consequences of this abuse for many years before seeing his assailant brought to justice.

"It is however a positive reflection of  advances in policing and our attitude to victims of abuse, that their accounts are being investigated, believed and acted upon.  We acknowledge the courage of those who have suffered abuse, in coming forward with their stories and providing the evidence required to protect other members of society".