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Father and Son Jailed After Grooming and Abusing Children as Young as Seven
Two “predators and dangers to children” have been jailed for a horrific range of sex offences against five youngsters.
Radcliffe man Karl Sharples, 38, and Atherton man Mark Whitworth, 57, were both involved in grooming, sexually assaulting and raping children as young as seven.
Each was handed a steep jail sentence this week at Manchester Crown Court after their horrendous abuse was brought to light.
CPS North West specialist crown prosecutor Stacey Gosling said: “Karl Sharples and Mark Whitworth are sexual predators and a danger to children.
“They preyed on the innocence of children, with no care for the profound effect their abuse would have on the victims who still suffer today.
“I would like to thank the victims in this case for their incredible bravery and tenacity in helping us to bring their abusers to justice.
“I hope that today’s outcome sends a clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service is dedicated to prosecuting those who exploit children to the fullest extent of the law, and that it empowers victims to seek justice.”
Sharples was convicted of rape, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, seven counts of sexual assault and two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.
Whitworth was convicted of three counts of rape, six counts of raping a child under 13, eight counts of sexual assault and 11 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
He was also guilty of six counts of assault by penetration, four counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13 and four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Each was brought before the court this week to learn their fate for their horrendous string of crimes against children.
Judge Kate Cornell jailed Sharples for 12 years and sentenced Whitworth to life
imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
Both were also made subject to sexual harm prevention orders.
