A Newton Heath man will spend the rest of his life in jail after being found guilty of 31 counts of rape, sexual assault and indecent assault against five survivors.
Thomas O’Rourke aged 74 was sentenced to 26 years at Bolton Crown Court as Several of his victims have provided powerful impact statements, with their courage helping secure O’Rourke’s sentencing
The offences occurred at various points across different decades – from the 1970s until the 1990s – across areas including Middleton and Blackley.
During her victim impact statement, one survivor said: I stand here today to finish giving that child you tried to destroy, her voice, and end all the hurt you caused.
“You made me feel so dirty and embarrassed for so many years.
“I can go on and on about how much damage you have caused, not only me but the other survivors involved in this case, because just like myself they are not victims, they are survivors. But I have chosen not to give you any more of my precious time.”
A second survivor said: “I initially didn’t want to write this statement as I do not like to portray myself as a victim or feel like one. I prefer to appear like a strong woman, and I especially wanted to in this case. After some consideration, I have decided to in hope that he understands and feels even a little remorse for the damage he has done.
A third survivor said: “My childhood was taken from me, and my teen years were disrupted. I did not have the opportunity to build relationships, go to college or seek a career. It took me a long time to report the abuse, but it will take me longer to recover.
“I think about the abuse he has caused me and others known to me and that will always make me feel a sadness. I feared him, but I am in the control seat now, as he will never be able to hide the abuse he enjoyed all those years ago.”
The first survivor came forward in 2019 to police, reporting offences that occurred when they were a child. Further survivors were uncovered following this with the OIC making considerable efforts to locate them to provide statements. Their courage led to a full investigation and the offender finally being brought to justice.
Officer in Charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Jordan Wilcock said: “I would like to start by commending the courage of the survivors. It takes immense strength to go through any investigation however the fact it has taken seven years, and they have continued with it shows bravery beyond words and their commitment to ensure Thomas O’Rourke spends the rest of his life behind bars.
“He is a predator. He preyed on innocent children who should have been enjoying their childhood – learning how to ride bikes, play with their toys and grow up in an innocent world. He portrayed himself as a caring individual offering to look after them however this was all done to get close to them away from a place of safety. He took their childhood away from them and has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions.
“This sentence shows that no matter when it happened, we will investigate and do all that we can for survivors. If you have experienced any form of abuse, no matter when it was – please speak to someone and report it. We will listen to you and do all that we can to support you during the investigation.
“I’d like to thank the officers and staff that have assisted on this investigation, and I am incredibly proud of the result that has been achieved. Hundreds of hours of work have gone into the investigation, and it is one that will stay with me for a long time throughout my career.
“Thomas O’Rourke will now spend the rest of his life in prison – away from the people he’s hurt and hopefully they will now start to be able to move on from the hold he has had on them for so many years.”
