Man who sexually abused victims over 50 years jailed

A rapist who inflicted "horrific" sexual abuse on seven victims, including children, over a period of more than 50 years, has been jailed.

Peter Wilson, from Atherton, Wigan, was arrested last year after a victim came forward, triggering a full police investigation.

A search of his home found shocking evidence of abusive behaviour, including a hidden camera with videos depicting the exploitation of a young girl, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The 67-year-old, who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a child under 13 and creating an indecent image of a child but denied 23 other sex offences, was jailed for 27 years.

The jury at Bolton Crown Court found Wilson, of Bowling Green Row, guilty of 23 further sexual offences relating to children and adults, including indecent assault and rape.

Police said he began a "horrifying pattern" of abusive behaviour in 1972, aged 14. Over 51 years, Wilson abused seven victims.

He subjected those victims to deeply traumatising experiences, ranging from inappropriate advances to acts of coercion and rape, GMP said.

Over the years, Wilson's predatory behaviour continued to escalate as he manipulated and took advantage of his victims, shattering their innocence and trust, the force said.

According to the police, the decades of abuse unravelled last year when Wilson was arrested at his home on suspicion of sexual assault involving a child, following an "incredibly brave" disclosure from one of his victims.

It led to a thorough search of his property, which yielded two mobile phone devices, a disc in an envelope, and a small camera containing an SD card.

Police also recovered a hidden camera, which along with the mobile phones, contained incriminating video footage.

The videos fell under the category of first-generation, type A indecent images of children, capturing deeply distressing and sadistic acts, GMP said.

Evidence of further victims was subsequently discovered.

Det Sgt Joanne Sweeney thanked all the victims, and their loved ones, for their co-operation over the course of the investigation.

"We commend every one of them for their bravery and strength, which has brought Wilson to justice after years of abuse," she said.

"Throughout the investigation we have ensured those involved receive, and will continue to receive, the best support and support services - to ensure they are able to rebuild and cope with the trauma they have been subjected to because of Wilson's horrific crimes.

"We know the sentencing will never erase what they experienced because of Wilson, but we hope that it signifies the beginning of the rest of their lives - allowing them to start to heal and come to terms with what's happened."

Wilson will also be on the sex offenders' register for life, and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order.