A man from Oldham has been sentenced to 18 years in jail after sexually abusing three young boys

Today (Friday 9 April 2021), Colin Cooley (06/11/1970) of no fixed abode was sentenced at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of rape, five counts of penetrative sex acts with a child , five counts of indecent assault, five counts of gross indecency with a child and five counts of sexual assault.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, issued with a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order for life against all three victims.

Cooley's sentence relates to abuse he inflicted on three young boys between 1994 and 2010 across the Moston and Crumpsall areas of Greater Manchester.

The abuse of Cooley's first two victims began when they were both under the age of ten and continued for between three to five years. Cooley would force them - individually - to watch pornography with him and over time this would progress to Cooley performing sexual acts on the boys and forcing the boys to perform sexual acts on him.

Cooley's third victim was subjected to abuse for three years and this began when he too was under the age of ten. Following a similar pattern to his previous two victims, Cooley would force the boy to watch pornography and this would progress over time to Cooley performing sexual acts on the boy. This further progressed to Cooley raping his victim on multiple occasions.

Detective Constable Sarah Austin of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "Firstly I want to commend the bravery and courage of the three men who came forward to report the abuse that had been inflicted on them. Their cooperation throughout this investigation has helped in securing a conviction for Cooley and I hope today's result provides a sense of justice."

"The heinous abuse Cooley subjected his victims to span more than a decade and he gave no thought to the serious impact that this could have on their lives. The sexual exploitation of children to serve a person's own sexual gratification is abhorrent and GMP is committed to ensuring any person caught doing so faces the justice they deserve.

"I hope the men are able to move forwards with their lives knowing that Cooley will spend the next 18 years locked away where he can't harm anyone else."

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- 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.  We 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 telephoning 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 us on  0161 273 4500 or email us at [email protected]

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.