Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual offences against a woman and child in Bolton

Today (Friday 9 February 2024), 30-year-old - Adam Degney from Bolton - received a total of 15 years in prison with an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and will be listed on the sex offenders register for life.

An investigation was launched in August 2023, following an initial report of a sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl. The young girl confided in a loved one how Degney had attempted to rape her that day, the report was then immediately made to police, and the investigation was launched.

A complex investigation completed by GMP Bolton’s Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) was conducted and unearthed a catalogue of sexual offences carried out against a child spanning over several years.

The young victim bravely told police officers that she was raped on multiple occasions by Degney over a seven-year period from when she was just six years old, forcing her to do so all for his own gratification.

Following further enquiries, an adult woman also bravely disclosed she had been a victim to Degney’s abuse, where he attempted to control her life.

The woman told officers how she was raped by Degney on multiple occasions, sometimes while she was sleeping. Degney threatened he would ‘chop her head off’ and was often physically and verbally aggressive with her, whittling her self-confidence further and further down over time.

Specialist officers were deployed to support the victims and their loved ones throughout course of the investigation. Degney was also quickly arrested.

Upon searching Degney’s phone, police officers discovered several images and deleted videos Degney had took of himself abusing his victims.

Adam Degney (07/05/1993) of HMP Forest Bank was later charged on Thursday 10 August 2023 with the following:

• Three counts of rape of a child under the age of 13
• Sexual assault of a child under the age of 13
• Engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 13
• Making indecent images of a child
• Two counts of rape of a female over the age of 16
• Two counts of voyeurism

Degney pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced today (Friday 9 February 2024) at Bolton Crown Court.

Detective Constable Stephen Wildman, of GMP Bolton’s Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU), said: “Firstly, I want to thank the victims in this case for their incredible bravery in coming forward and helping us with the investigation into Degney’s crimes. His actions over the last several years were horrific and I’m sincerely glad that he is now behind bars. I truly hope that the sentence can bring some comfort to his victims. Of course, our thoughts remain with the victims and their loved ones, who have gone through an unimaginable ordeal due to Degney’s actions. Supporting the victims has been a focus for us through, pursuing every lead, and ensuring justice for them. This sentence shows that sexual offenses against anyone in our community will not be tolerated. Greater Manchester Police will pursue all lines of enquiry and support you every step of the way through the criminal proceedings. We are dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and will work to ensure offenders face the full consequences for their actions."

Support Available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or domestic abuse, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk).

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester and nationally that can help and provide support for you.

For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.

Support for Rape and Sexual Assault:

St. 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.

Trafford Rape Crisis and Manchester Rape Crisis are run by women for women who have experienced rape and sexual abuse. They are both confidential and can provide 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.

We Are Survivors Manchester - provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Support for Domestic Abuse:

Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline 
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, except bank holidays. For anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Includes a language service and advice for the LGBT community.

End the Fear 
Includes information on local help all over Greater Manchester.

Wigan and Leigh Dias drop-in centre
works with women and men who are experiencing or recovering from domestic violence and abusive relationships and helps them to regain control of the situation.

SafeLives.org.uk
Providing domestic abuse support and guidance.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free 24-hour helpline, guidance and support for victims.

National Centre for Domestic Violence
Provides a free service that lets anyone who has recently suffered from, or been threatened with, domestic abuse apply for an emergency court injunction.

Women’s Aid Domestic Violence Helpline
Free 24-hour national helpline run by Women’s Aid and Refuge.