A man from Wigan has been jailed after he sexually abused four children between 1991 and 2018

Dennis Johnson (01/02/1963) of Manchester Road, Westhoughton has today (Monday 5 July) been sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to 22 years and six months imprisonment after being found guilty of 21 separate offences including rape, sexual assault, actual bodily harm and witness intimidation.

He was also sentenced to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard how in September 2018 GMP received a report from social services that a girl under the age of thirteen had disclosed that Johnson had been sexually touching her.

Shortly after this report, it was revealed that Johnson had abused two other girls between 1991 and 2004. This abuse started when both girls were under the age of ten and continued until they were in their mid-teens.

Both girls were repeatedly sexually assaulted by Johnson. He also raped one of the girls on multiple occasions.

The court also heard Johnson had sexually abused a fourth child - a male - in the 1990s. On one occasion this included Johnson forcing the boy to masturbate him.

In September 2018 Johnson was arrested and subsequently charged.

Detective Constable, Karen Dewhurst of GMP's Wigan district, said: "The sexual exploitation of children is abhorrent and Johnson's despicable abuse spanned years. I want to commend the bravery of all four of Johnson's victims, their courage and support throughout this investigation and has been crucial in helping to secure a significant conviction today.

"Although today's sentence will never reverse the abuse Johnson inflicted, I hope it does help in providing a sense of closure for his victims knowing that he will be behind bars for over 22 years.

"Child sexual exploitation takes place in many forms and GMP is committed to ensuring all those responsible for such grotesque abuse face the appropriate justice. If you have been the victim of such crimes or feel you know someone who is a victim then please get in touch with police. All reports will be treated with the respect and sensitivity they deserve and we will work closely with you to ensure justice prevails."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101. Reports can also be made via our live web chat at www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.