A man who abused and manipulated two boys in the 1980s and 90s across Greater Manchester has been jailed for 19 years following an investigation by GMP
John Ahern aged 73 of St Anne Street, Birkenhead, started committing his offences against the pair when they were just young children.
At Manchester Crown Square last week (Friday 5 September), Ahern was sentenced after previously being found guilty of eight counts of indecent assault and one of buggery.
The court heard how the offences took place across two different periods – 1985-1991 and 1995-1997.
Incidents took place at various locations including houses and in public, across areas including Manchester, Bolton, and Tameside.
Ahern would try to build trust by talking about topics such as music or taking the boys out on trips, but would soon begin his abuse.
Ahern showed no remorse for his crimes, denying the incidents throughout the course of the proceedings.
The investigation initially began when March 2019 one of the men bravely came forward to police, following which the other man came forward.
Both men provided powerful impact statements, which were provided to the court and included the following:
“By sharing my story, I respectfully request that the court acknowledges the profound and multifaceted impact this abuse has had on every aspect of my life.
“The enduring mental and emotional scars, the disruption in my social and professional relationships, and the resurfacing of painful personal memories underscore that the repercussions of this abuse are both deep and lasting.
“I remain dedicated to my recovery and I hope that by shedding a light on my experiences, steps may be taken to protect other vulnerable individuals from suffering a similar fate.”
The second statement included:
“I’d like to thank the court for hearing my case and considering my statement. I cannot express the relief I felt when the defendant was found guilty, I finally felt heard and that life would finally be able to begin.
“I would like the judge to consider that this man destroyed my childhood, he damaged the foundations of my adulthood, forever changing the person I would become.”
Detective Constable Susan Muldowney, from GMP’s City of Manchester CID, said: “Ahern’s actions against two vulnerable young boys were utterly disgusting, and I am glad he is now behind bars.
“The boys involved are now grown men and I want to pay tribute to their tremendous courage in coming forward. I am fully aware of the lasting effects that their early lives have had on them and their ongoing strength has helped put Ahern away.
“This was a complex historical investigation and we have worked hard to get the result and justice for his victims.”
Time is no barrier to prosecution and officers will look into your case whether it happened last week, or decades ago.
