He abused and belittled them for years - but their incredible bravery has put him behind bars for decades

A pervert who subjected four children to "abhorrent" abuse has been jailed for more than two decades after they bravely spoke out to put him behind bars. John Fairhurst, 30, was found guilty of a string of sex offences after a trial at Bolton Crown Court.

Fairhurst was handed a 24 year custodial sentence, after which he will serve six years on licence. He was also made the subject of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and indefinite restraining order.

The court was told Fairhurst 'became aggressive' and took advantage of his four victims over a number of years, including sending intimate photos and requesting that they take part in degrading acts. The court heard that thanks to their bravery in speaking out, he was eventually arrested in October 2022.

In total, Fairhurst, of Dudley Avenue, Tonge Moor, Bolton, was convicted of 17 counts of sexual offences.

Read more: 'It was a complete brutal onslaught…' - Motorist knocked out cold by stranger on petrol station forecourt

Read more: Man performed 'revolting' sex act in front of student on Megabus to Manchester

Detective Constable Phillipa Fairclough, of GMP's Bolton district said: “Firstly, I want to thank the victims in this case for their incredible bravery in coming forward and helping us with the investigation into Fairhurst’s crimes. Fairhurst’s acts over several years were abhorrent and I am glad that he is now behind bars. I hope that the sentence is able to bring some comfort to his victims.

"This was a highly emotive and complex investigation to work on and we are committed to putting sexual offenders behind bars. I want the public to know that we thoroughly investigate every report that comes into us.

"Detective Sergeant Kayleigh Wiggins from