Predator 'threatened' young girl not to speak out about his horrific abuse

A predator 'threatened' a young girl to stop her speaking out about the horrific abuse he subjected her to. David Houghton, 46, began sexually abusing his victim when she was nine-years-old, a court heard.

In 2019, the teenager came forward and told police about the abuse. Houghton, who abused his position of trust, had regularly abused the girl and raped her before 'threatening that she couldn't tell anyone else', police said.

Houghton, of Milton Close in Stretford, was arrested and interviewed by police. Following a thorough investigation, he was charged with multiple offences, all of which he was found guilty of at trial last November.

He was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of rape, sexual assault, and causing a child under 13 to watch / look at an image of sexual activity. He had been remanded in custody until his sentencing on Wednesday (January 29), which was a 15-year custodial sentence, with an additional 12 month licence period.

He will also have to sign the sex offender’s register for life.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live, or have been sexually assaulted, within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed