Wigan man jailed for 18 years for child sex offences

A man who sexually assaulted a nine-year-old child, and forced her to send indecent pictures of herself has been jailed.

Alan Cunningham. 63, pled guilty in June 2023 to four counts of sexual activity with a girl under 13 and possessing indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child.

Cunningham was also made to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday (4 October).

Cunningham was already serving a three year prison sentence for other child sex offences. He will now spend another 15 years in prison and a further four years on extended licence.

In May 2019, Cunningham began sexually assaulting a nine-year-old child and forced her to send him indecent photographs of herself.

His behaviour continued until March 2023 when the mother of a the child noticed inappropriate text messages from Cunningham to her daughter.

Text messages were sent by Cunningham to the victim with comments such as “Where are my kisses at the end of messages” and “you could have took me to the bath too”.

Following examination, a number of category C images were found on the device seized from Cunningham, with him requesting that the victim send nude pictures in return for money.

His conviction follows an investigation led by the Wigan Complex Safeguarding Team and Detective Sergeant Vicki Flemming.

DS Flemming said: “Firstly, I must thank the victims and their families for having the strength and courage to come forward and allow us to fully investigate this case.

“Today’s result is the culmination of a thorough investigation by our safeguarding team, Cunningham’s conviction means another dangerous offender is put behind bars where he can no longer harm children.

“Some concerning messages and images had been found on the device seized from the defendant, with the victim featuring in those images.

“This was a concerning case for the victim’s family, but I hope today’s result can provide them with some form of solace.

“We encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, or knows someone who has, to come forward and speak to the police. We will listen to you and we will investigate.”