Wigan couple who sexually abused young girls are jailed

Martin Finch, 44, of Broom Road, Wigan, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape, seven counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration. Five of these counts are sexual assault of children under 14.

Kathryn Wilkinson, 42, of Broom Road, Wigan, was also sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to five years in prison after being found guilty of one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

Both Finch and Wilkinson will have to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

The offences by Finch took place against five victims, some of whom he abused on multiple occasions. One of these victims was also abused by Wilkinson.

Finch would often ply the victims with alcohol before sexually abusing them.

On one occasion, Finch raped one of his victims before Wilkinson appeared and exposed herself to the victim and sexually assaulted her.

Detective Constable, Alastair Macmillan, of GMP’s Wigan division, said: “The severity of this case should not be underestimated. Finch is not only a rapist, but also a paedophile. He was cunning and calculated in the way he intoxicated his victims before preying on them, with Wilkinson also joining him in this depraved behaviour.

“I want to thank the victim’s for coming forward and speaking out. I can only imagine how difficult this investigation must have been for them; however their bravery and assistance has helped us to ensure that Finch and Wilkinson face justice for their horrendous actions.

“The abuse that these victims have faced at the hands of this despicable duo has not only left them feeling violated and frightened, but will affect them for the rest of their lives.

“We will always take reports of this kind of crime extremely seriously and we’d encourage anyone who feels they have been the victim of such offences to get in touch with police or seek help and support from a number of services available."

The NSPCC also praised the bravery of the young victims for having the courage to report the abhorrent crimes.

A spokesperson for the children's charity said: “The grooming and subsequent sexual abuse carried out by Finch and Wilkinson is utterly reprehensible and will forever have affected the lives of their victims.

“The courage shown by those who came forward to ensure these paedophiles could face the justice they deserve cannot be underestimated. We hope their victims have received all the help and support they need, and can find some solace knowing Finch and Wilkinson have finally been held to account for their actions.”

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111. Adults with concerns about children, or who wish to report abuse, no matter when it happened, can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000 or email [email protected]

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.

- You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

- St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

- Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500.