A survivor has spoken out after his abusers were given a combined 23-year sentence for non-recent sexual offences against him when he was a child.
In a powerful victim impact statement, the survivor, now a man, described the long-lasting impact the childhood sexual abuse he was subjected to by two men has had on his life as he has carried it into adulthood. He said: “I am providing this statement to explain the impact that the sexual abuse I experienced as a child has had on my life.
“When I was 14, I was sexually abused by Stuart Knowles and Andrew Lord. At the time, I was a child and was unable to understand, prevent, or properly process what was happening to me. The abuse caused me fear, confusion, shame, and distress.
“The actions of both perpetrators have had a profound and lasting effect on my life. The abuse affected my emotional wellbeing, my sense of safety, and my ability to trust others. I have experienced anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, difficulties with relationships, loss of confidence.
“This relentless abuse has affected my childhood, trust and my life. Instead of feeling safe and protected, I lived with fear and emotional pain.”
Following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, Stewart Knowles aged 62 was found guilty of 18 counts of penetrative and non-penetrative sexual activity with a male child between the ages of 13-15 years while he was Captain of the Boy’s Brigade in Wigan during 2005-2007. The survivor was a member of the Boy’s Brigade at the time.
Andrew Lord also 62 was found guilty of 4 counts of penetrative sexual activity between 2005-2007. Lord was invited to attend a threesome with Knowles and the survivor in the store cupboard of a primary school in Wigan. Lord not connected with the Boy’s Brigade.
The survivor continued: “As I grew older, the impact continued. I have struggled with suicide along with other members of my family who have also been deeply traumatised with the horrific events that took place when I should have been in someone’s trust and care.
“These experiences have influenced my relationships, my self-esteem, my mental health, and my daily life. There have been times when the effects of the abuse have made it difficult for me to work, study, maintain relationships, or enjoy life in the way I otherwise might have.
“One of the most significant consequences has been wanting to end my life because of the torture I was subject to and how I struggled to maintain a somewhat stable life due to the fear I faced, and it was something I couldn’t cope with any longer. The abuse changed the way I see myself and the world around me. It has affected my ability to feel safe, trust people, and move through life without the burden of what happened.
“The harm caused by the actions of both perpetrators cannot be measured only by the abuse itself. The effects have remained with me long after the abuse ended and continue to influence my life today.”
“I want the court to understand that the abuse was not a single event that ended when it stopped. Its effects have been long-lasting and continue to affect my emotional wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life. I make this statement truthfully and from my own experience,” he added.
On Friday 24 July 2026 at Manchester Crown Court, Knowles and Lord were sentenced after being found guilty of sex offences against a child between the ages of 13-15 years old.
Stewart Knowles (14/11/1963) of Rylands Street, Wigan was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Andrew Lord (30/05/1964) of Vicarage Road, Orrell was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Shaw, from GMP’s Wigan District, said: “I’d like to thank the survivor, who has shown tremendous strength in coming forward and reporting this abuse, and throughout the process of the investigation.
“I hope these sentences provide a sense of justice for the survivor as they look to move forward with their life. We are here to listen to survivors, and we take all reports seriously.
“We have officers specially trained to support survivors of sexual abuse and we can work at a pace that is suitable for them. We will do everything to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”
