Man jailed for sexually abusing a child in Wilmslow

A man has been jailed for sexually abusing a child in Wilmslow.

Andrew Grierson appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 11th November, where he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

The 65-year-old of McCormack Drive in Wigan, had previously been found guilty of charges relating to the sexual abuse of a child between 1996 and 2004.

The court heard that concerns were first raised with Children’s Social Care in 1998. However, due to a lack of evidence, the matter was closed without any police investigation.

Six years later, the victim reported the abuse to police, and Grierson was arrested and interviewed. He denied the allegations, and the case was referred to the CPS. However, charges were not authorised, and he was released without charge.

In 2011, the victim contacted police again and provided a detailed account of the abuse, which occurred over eight years. Despite this, the case was once again closed following a decision not to seek further CPS advice.

Ten years later, the victim contacted Cheshire Police and requested that her case be reopened. Detective Sergeant Claire Miles conducted a full review of the investigation and made the decision to reopen it.

Grierson was interviewed again in December 2021 in relation to the allegations and denied the offences put to him.

Despite this, he was subsequently charged in connection with the abuse. A jury later found him guilty of four counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13, and five counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, following a 7-day trial at Chester Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Claire Miles said:

“I would like to begin by acknowledging the victim’s remarkable bravery and tenacity in her pursuit of justice.

“Despite numerous setbacks, she persisted in reporting what happened to her and her continued support for this investigation is truly inspirational.

“It is thanks to her that we have finally put a dangerous sexual predator behind bars where he belongs.

“Grierson preyed on the victim and sexually abused her over a number of years. He believed he could avoid accountability by discrediting the victim’s account, dismissing her experiences as nothing more than childish imagination.

“As a grown man, he knew what he was subjecting this child to was wrong, yet he continued regardless. He then repeatedly denied the abuse, forcing the victim to endure a trial rather than taking responsibility for his actions. I am grateful that the jury saw through his lies and that he has now been held accountable.

“I welcome the significant custodial sentence handed to Grierson and hope it brings the victim a sense of justice as she closes this chapter of her life. I also hope her bravery in coming forward encourages other victims and survivors of abuse to report it to police.”

Detective Superintendent Dave Worthington said:

“The victim’s determination and resilience throughout this investigation has been exceptional, and this outcome is a testament to her strength.

“As a child, she was sadly let down by several organisations, including Cheshire Constabulary, and while nothing can undo the harm caused, I hope this result provides her with a sense of closure and allows her to move forward with her life.

“Since the initial investigation in the early 2000’s, the way we deal with reports of sexual offences has improved significantly, and we recently secured the highest charge rate for sexual offences in England and Wales.

“These figures reflect the hard work and dedication of all of our officers and staff, who are committed to ensuring victims of sexual offences not only feel able to come forward, but also have confidence that their cases will be thoroughly investigated and handled with care and sensitivity.

“Putting an end to the sexual exploitation of children remains a top priority for the force, and we will continue to pursue those who seek to harm children and bring them to justice.

“Victims should never feel ashamed of what they have experienced. Anyone who comes forward will be met with compassion, respect, and specialist support from our officers and partner agencies. All victims of sexual offences are entitled to anonymity, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the support and protection they deserve.”

For advice on identifying signs of sexual exploitation visit: 

Child Sexual Exploitation & How to Keep Your Child Safe | NSPCC.

To report a sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101.

Information can also be given online at: 

https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report 

...or anonymously via Crimestoppers on:

0800 555 111

Pictured - Andrew Grierson of McCormack Drive in Wigan.