Wigan man admits to sex crimes against young girl

Daniel McKeown admitted to nine charges in all over a six-year period which began when his vicim was aged just six.

The now 22-year-old of Dunsdale Drive, Ashton-in-Makerfield, has been given a six-year prison sentence.

Although the offences were all committed when McKeown was a minor, he can be named because he has been prosecuted and dealt with in an adult court and is now over the age of 18.

Bolton Crown Court heard that the abuse had taken place at the victim and assailant’s respective homes over several years.

It was when McKeown was invited to come and stay with the victim’s family when a young adult that the victim told her mum that she felt uncomfortable with him being there.

When asked why, she became upset and finally opened up to her mum about the abuse.

The hearing was told that it was mutually agreed that the suspect should attend the police station and “do the right thing.”

McKeown did this, but then gave a “no comment” interview.

A message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy when you pop out for your essential shop or subscribing for delivery.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: "Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role."

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:

You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.