Wigan man jailed for 18 years for child sex offences

Alan Cunningham (08/01/1961) pleaded guilty in June 2023 to four counts of sexual activity with a girl under 13 and possessing indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.

Cunningham was also made to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely today (Friday 4 October 2024) at Liverpool Crown Court.

Cunningham was already serving a three year prison sentence for other child sex offences. He will now spend another 15 years in prison and a further four years on extended licence. 

In May 2019, Cunningham began sexually assaulting a nine-year-old child and forced her to send him indecent photographs of herself.

His behaviour continued until March 2023 when the mother of a the child noticed inappropriate text messages from Cunningham to her daughter.

Text messages were sent by Cunningham to the victim with comments such as “Where are my kisses at the end of messages” and “you could have took me to the bath too”.

Following examination, a number of category C images were found on the device seized from Cunningham, with him requesting that the victim send nude pictures in return for money.

His conviction follows an investigation led by the Wigan Complex Safeguarding Team and Detective Sergeant Vicki Flemming.

DS Flemming said: “Firstly, I must thank the victims and their families for having the strength and courage to come forward and allow us to fully investigate this case.

“Today’s result is the culmination of a thorough investigation by our safeguarding team, Cunningham’s conviction means another dangerous offender is put behind bars where he can no longer harm children.

“Some concerning messages and images had been found on the device seized from the defendant, with the victim featuring in those images.

“This was a concerning case for the victim’s family, but I hope today’s result can provide them with some form of solace.

“We encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to come forward and speak to the police. We will listen to you and we will investigate.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Support Available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, 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.

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.