Stockport husband and wife jailed for historical child sex offences | News

Craig and Claire Moores were arrested and charged in August 2020

A husband and wife from Stockport have been sentenced to a total of 28 years behind bars for non-recent sex offences against three victims.

Claire Moores, 46, was sentenced to 13 years and Craig Moores, 51, received 15 years imprisonment at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court in relation to a number of incidents involving two girls between 2002 and 2008.

The couple were arrested and charged on August 2020 and found guilty at trial of 15 charges put before them.

Craig Moores was charged with four counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 18, two counts of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 18 and one count of indecency with a child under 18 by penetration.

Claire Moores was charged with three counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 18.

The couple were jointly charged with two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 18. Against a third victim they were charged with one count of cruelty to a person under the age of 16.

They were also charged with causing a boy under the age of 15 to engage in sexual activity and administering a substance with intent to stupefy to allow sexual activity but were found not guilty.

Police were informed in May 2019 of non-recent sexual offences concerning two girls in Stockport.

The court heard how two girls, who have not been named due to legal reasons, reported being given substances prior to being sexually abused by the husband and wife. The third victim was exposed to the presence and consumption of controlled drugs and sexual activity.

Detective Sergeant Shona Mulvey, of GMP’s Stockport Criminal Investigation Department, said: “Claire and Craig Moores’ crimes are truly abhorrent and today marks the culmination of many years’ worth of investigation.

“While their sentencings cannot take away from the years of suffering they have caused their victims, we hope it provides some solace in the fact that they are no longer at large and able to harm children.

“I must thank the victim and their family for having the strength and courage to come forward and allow us to fully investigate this case.

“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.”

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