Two men charged following non-recent sexual offences investigation

Two men have been charged in connection with a non-recent sexual offences investigation launched in 2018.

Reports were received in 2018 about sexual offences against seven victims in Rochdale in the 1980s and 1990s.

Anthony Whitehead, (07/04/1952), of High Bank, Bolton, has been charged with six counts of indecent assault and two counts of inciting a boy to commit an act of gross indecency.

Mathew Carl Laryea, (18/07/1956), of Langport Avenue, Longsight, has been charged with three counts of gross indecency, assault thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm, sexual assault, eight counts of indecent assault and two counts of false imprisonment.

The charges relate to non-recent abuse committed against five teenage Boys in Bolton, Wythenshawe and Longsight.

Throughout the investigation detectives have been working alongside partners, including Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre and Survivors Manchester, to provide a multi-agency response to safeguarding the victims and providing them with the support they need.

Whitehead will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on 1 April 2022 and Laryea will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on 12 April 2022.

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.