CrimeAtherton man gets 25-year jail term for historic child sex offences

Atherton man gets 25-year jail term for historic child sex offences

Norman Williams (59) from Atherton has been sentenced to 25 years in jail for abusing young children.

He was found guilty by a jury at Bolton Crown Court back in March, of 10 counts of indecent assault, six counts of rape, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Two of the victims were groomed by Williams when they were around 12 years old. He would give the pair items including cigarettes, alcohol and money.

During a four-year period which began in 1998, Williams went on to sexually abuse them at two addresses where he lived in Atherton.

A third victim was also sexually abused by Williams at his home.

Detective constable Chris Waddicar said: “Firstly, I want to thank the victims in this case for coming forward and being courageous enough to allow us to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Williams’ offending was depraved – he picked on vulnerable young children who were unable to defend themselves.

“As an investigation team, we hope this sentencing can give them some reassurance that justice has been served and their perpetrator is locked up behind bars where he can no longer harm vulnerable members of our community.

“I would like to appeal to anyone out there who was a victim of sexual abuse to come forward to us. No matter how long ago it was, we will listen to you and we will help bring your perpetrator to justice.”

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.

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Things to Consider When Moving Offices in Manchester

Manchester’s office market has rarely been this competitive. In the first quarter of 2026, occupiers took 286,200 sq ft of space across the city,...

New Chapter for Kirkham Grammar as International Schools Group Commits to Long-Term Investment

Kirkham Grammar School is entering an exciting new chapter following the acquisition of the school by a leading international education group. The acquisition represents...

An estimated 1.4 million children missed out on free holiday clubs last year despite being entitled to them

SALFORD, UK. July 22nd, 2026 - As millions of children across England prepare to break up for the summer holidays this week, new research reveals...

flowio Recognised as an OpenAI Select Partner for Enterprise AI Delivery

GLASGOW, UK, July 22, 2026. flowio has reached a new milestone after being recognised as an OpenAI Select Partner. The UK-based AI automation agency...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

The role of sustainable energy infrastructure in Manchester’s business growth

UK electricity prices for non-domestic users averaged 24.9p/kWh in the first quarter of 2024, which was up 60% compared to 2019. As competition grows...

Things to Consider When Moving Offices in Manchester

Manchester’s office market has rarely been this competitive. In the first quarter of 2026, occupiers took 286,200 sq ft of space across the city,...

flowio Recognised as an OpenAI Select Partner for Enterprise AI Delivery

GLASGOW, UK, July 22, 2026. flowio has reached a new milestone after being recognised as an OpenAI Select Partner. The UK-based AI automation agency...

Rare Mbappé, Messi and Ronaldo Cards Could Surface During Live 2018 National Treasures Break on eBay

ANDOVER, UK, July 15, 2026 - Football card collectors could witness the discovery of some of the hobby's biggest modern treasures this Sunday when...

More News

How to make sure your business bounces back after a cybersecurity attack

You’ll rarely see a cyber breach coming. In a matter of moments, everything you've built could be put at risk, leaving you to pick up...

Teenager arrested after proactive drug dealing operation in Chorlton

A teenage boy was arrested by South Manchester police following a proactive plain clothes operation to combat drug dealing in the area. Officers headed to...

Fake ‘luxury’ goods worth £3 million found in trading standards raid

More than 5,000 fake luxury goods worth £3.1 million have been uncovered in Bury by trading standards officers. The huge haul was discovered in raids...