A boxing instructor who sexually assaulted a teenage pupil has been jailed

Yesterday (Monday 20 December), Robert Sharpley (02/07/1959) of Pengbout, Govilon, Abergavenny was jailed for 42 months at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of indecent assault. He will also have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

In the early 1990's Sharpley, who was operating as a boxing coach in Wigan, would often flirt and wink at his victim - a young teenage girl - during training sessions.

On one occasion, she and others from her class attended his home address for a party and during the party he grabbed hold of her and kissed her.

Other incidents that occurred at his house involved him taking her upstairs - whilst his family were present - locking the door to his bedroom and showing her a catalogue of sex toys and images of bondage. A separate incident involved him inviting her over to babysit before taking her upstairs and forcing her to perform oral sex on him.

In the mid-90s Sharpley took the teenage girl to a club in Blackpool where he gave her ecstasy before taking her back to a house in Wigan and had sex with her.

The abuse was reported by the victim in 2018 and Sharpley was arrested soon afterwards.

Detective Constable Jenna Boyer of GMP's Wigan district said: "Sharpley abused his position of trust and manipulated a young girl into performing sexual acts on him and forcing her to have sex with him. This was an abhorrent abuse of power and only served to sustain his perverted sexual desires without sparing a second thought to the long last impact this could have on the young girl.

"The exploitation of young teenagers is inexcusable and I admire the strength and courage it must have taken for his victim to report this abuse to police. Her determination and support throughout this investigation has been instrumental in ensuring a custodial sentence was passed down to Sharpley today.

"I hope today's result demonstrates to those who feel they can commit such vile abuse and get away with that GMP will do all it can to ensure you face justice and pay for your actions. I hope this also sends a message to anyone who may have been a victim of sexual abuse or may know someone that is a victim that we will ensure you receive the specialist support you need and we will always treat any reports and investigations with the utmost sensitivity and seriousness. No one should be made to suffer in silence."

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. 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 [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.

Greater Manchester Victims' Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.