A man has been jailed for the rape and indecent assault on a girl aged under 13 in Rochdale over twenty years ago
Andrew Shore aged 37 of Croome Gardens, Bourton On The Water, Gloucestershire, was sentenced to seven years and three months at Manchester Crown Square Court yesterday
The offences took place in Rochdale in the early 2000s when the victim was only 11 years old and Shore was in a position of trust. Shore was 16 years old at the time of his offending.
Detective Constable Russell Clarke said:
“The victim in this case has waited a long time for justice and she has carried this with her for many years. Shore betrayed and violated the trust of those who left him in charge of the victim’s care, an 11-year-old child.
“What Shore did to the victim had a profound impact, not only in shaping her younger years, but also into later life as she carried the trauma and coping mechanisms with her into adulthood. I know that his conviction and today’s sentencing has provided her with a level of comfort and peace, after what has been a long journey.
“Andrew Shore has taken no responsibility for his actions, ensuring the victim had to relive her ordeal during the trial. His account changed throughout the investigation as he sought to evade justice, even suggesting during the trial that it was other members of the victim’s family who subjected her to rape and sexual assault.
“Whilst the offence took place over 20 years ago, this case and its successful prosecution shows that it is never too late to come forward and make a report to the police. Once this victim found the strength to communicate what had happened, she utilised GMP’s online reporting system, which enabled her to do so without what can be the daunting task of talking to somebody on the phone.”
