Oldham man jailed for 10 years for historic sex abuse

A man from Oldham who sexually abused four boys in the 1980s has been jailed for a decade.

Damien Riley (26/04/1966) was jailed yesterday (Friday 16 July) at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and ordered to serve 10 years.

He was found guilty of 14 offences he committed as a teenager against victims aged as young as five over a period of six years.

After a two-week trial at The Lowry Nightingale Court in Salford, Riley was convicted of indecent assaults and gross indecency.

The court heard how Riley, from the Ewood area, abused the boys separately, on all but one occasion, at his garage on Burlington Avenue where he lived at the time.

Police were not aware of Riley's offending until one of the victims made a report in August 2018 and an investigation commenced by detectives in Oldham CID.

On interview, Riley denied any wrongdoing and continued to deny the offences after being charged a year later, accusing his victims of conspiring to construct a series of lies to have him convicted.

The jury came back with 13 guilty indecent assault verdicts and one count of gross indecency on Friday 18 June, and Riley was sent to prison for 10 years and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The victims - aged five, seven, eight and nine when the offending started - have been supported throughout operation by specialist officers and partner agencies.

Detective Constable Vicki Tait, of GMP Oldham's CID, said: "The experiences these men went through as children were harrowing and have left lifelong mental and emotional scars for each of them, but to have the courage and bravery to relive that abuse again in court nearly four decades later is of real testament to each of them.

"Riley's crimes were committed many years ago, but that does not mitigate or diminish the severity of the offences or the impact that it had on his victims.

"It is satisfying that regardless of the time passed, we are able to ensure we have a compelling enough case to bring Riley to court and make him accountable for the manipulative and predatory actions he inflicted on these men when they were so young and vulnerable.

"I urge anyone who is a survivor of non-recent sexual abuse to report it to police so that we can ensure those reports are fully investigated with a view to continue to bring offenders to justice."

Anyone affected by this case can contact police online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk or call 101. Details can also to be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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.