Three men handed suspended sentences for sexual offences against underage girl groomed over social media

Three men from Chorley have been sentenced for several sexual offences against an underage girl in Bolton after she was groomed over a social media messaging platform.

Today (26 June 2025), at Liverpool Crown Court, Michael Linfoot, 24, Callum Hesketh, 24, and Thomas Rae, 24, have been convicted of sexual offences which took place against an underage girl in the Rivington area of Bolton seven years ago.

On 23 April 2018, Hesketh messaged the victim, who was 15 at the time, via a social media messaging platform and attempted to groom her into sexual activity with another underage girl.

Over next few weeks Hesketh continued to call and message her. He would then video call her and ask her to pose in different sexual positions for him while he masturbated.

On the evening of 16 June 2018, the victim and her friend got a lift from the Adlington area with Hesketh and Linfoot. The two men picked the two girls up in a white van - which belonged to Linfoot - in exchange for alcoholic drinks.

They drove to Rivington and parked the van where the victim’s friend received a phone call and stepped outside the vehicle. Meanwhile, Hesketh began to have sex with the victim and Linfoot engaged in sexual activity with her at the same time.

While this was happening, Hesketh recorded the sex acts on his mobile phone on a social media platform with the degrading caption, ‘Gang bang out here’.

The victim heard Hesketh talking on his mobile phone and a short while later three more men arrived on motorbikes.

One of the men, Thomas Rae, approached the van and began to engage in sexual activity with the girl.

Afterwards, the two girls got into the rear of the van and Hesketh and Linfoot took them back to Adlington and purchased a bottle of wine for them before they drove off.

Following a long and meticulous investigation, the three men who pleaded guilty, have been sentenced for their actions.

Michael Linfoot has been convicted of one count of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 in Rivington in 2018. He has been sentenced to 11 months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Thomas Rae has been convicted of one count of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 in Rivington in 2018. He has been sentenced to 11 months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Callum Hesketh has been convicted of sending sexualised social media messages to the victim and one count of making indecent videos of a child in Rivington 2018. He has been sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

Detective Constable Robert Booth said: “Thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward and putting her trust in us. It must have been very difficult for her to have to sit through interviews and come to terms with what these men subjected her to.

“I would like to reach out to victims of rape and sexual abuse that have not yet come forward to let them know that we are here for you, we will support you and work with you at your own pace when you are ready, no matter the passage of time.

“Finally, I want to send a clear message to any perpetrators of sexual abuse; that we will not tolerate this abhorrent behaviour, and we will bring you to justice.”

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.

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.

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

We understand how tough it can be to come forward and report domestic abuse, but we would encourage anyone who is currently suffering in silence to reach out.

To start a report, visit www.gmp.police.uk and click on the blue ‘Live Chat’ icon.
A domestic abuse survivor has encouraged other victims and survivors to report their experiences via Live Chat.

How to get help

- 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]

- 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.