Final members of grooming gang sentenced

(Above: Richard Haslam (L), Jack Poulson (R)

The remaining six members of a group of 10 men who groomed, raped and sexually abused underage girls in Blackrod, Bolton, between 2016 and 2018 have been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Tuesday 29 April 2025.

Daniel Flatters, Jack Poulson, Cory Barrett, James Fitzgerald, Richard Haslam, and Elliott Turner are the final six men that have been handed substantial sentences for a range of sexual offences.

They have each been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

In an emotional and impactful statement, one brave victim shared how each of these predatory men made her feel and the devastating impact it has had on her life since, after they subjected her to continuous abuse and left her feeling fearful, intimidated and like she had no way out.

Her statement began: “This is the story of how these individuals destroyed my life forever. I think nothing can hurt me as bad as what they did to me, but I’m still terrified of everything and everyone around me. I can’t even go outside on my own.

“I suffered every form of abuse from each of these individuals, and they continue to haunt me every day. What they don’t realise is it’s not okay to take someone’s life just to get a quick fix.

“I’d rather be dead most days than deal with all this mental torture and memories.

“Because of these men, I will never be able to live a normal life again. I’m too scared just to do simple tasks such as going outside or holding down a job, even simply being naked."

To conclude, she added: “I am forced, by my own brain, to relive every second with these vile people, over and over again. No amount of prison time for them can make that go away. I live in my own prison now and that is what they have done to me.”

The gang preyed on young girls aged between 13 and 15 by meeting them where they would hang out with other teenagers near the local community centre. They would then message them on private messaging and social media platforms.

Ashley Darbyshire, the primary offender who was sentenced to 15 years in jail yesterday, met the primary victim in 2016 when he was 19 and she was 13, and began messaging her online. He introduced her to nine of his friends, and they all used and abused her for their own sexual gratification into 2018.

They would display violence and aggression as they fought with each other, and through their interactions, all of which were intimidating to a young teenage girl. They treated her as though she was worthless, until she finally believed it herself.

Today, after a long and thorough investigation, with the help of the victims, these men have been brought to justice.

Jack Poulson, (25/04/1993), of Bolton was convicted of two counts of rape, five counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of sexual communications with a child. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison, to serve two thirds. He has been handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Richard Haslam, (16/02/1989), of Bolton, was convicted of two counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison, to serve at least two thirds. He has been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order for life. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Daniel Flatters, (13/05/1990), of Bolton, was convicted of of four counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. Ahead of the trial, he entered guilty pleas to Supply Class A Cocaine and Aggravated TWOC. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, to serve at least half. He has been handed a Sexual Harm prevention Order and been given a Restraining Order. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

James Fitzgerald, (05/06/1988), of Bolton, was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced to five years and 6 months in prison, to serve at least half. He has been given a Restraining Order for life and has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Cory Barrett, (08/10/00), of Wigan, was convicted of three counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to serve at least two thirds. He has been given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order for life. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Elliott Turner, (05/06/1988), of Bolton, was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16. He was sentenced to two years in prison. He has been handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order for 10 years. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable Robert Booth, who worked on the investigation and with the victims, said: “I hope these sentences offer some kind of comfort and a sense of justice for our brave victims as they try to move on with their lives.

“It was thanks to their bravery in coming forward that these men now have to pay for their despicable crimes against young, vulnerable and impressionable girls. We could not have got to this point without your incredible bravery.

“It must have been incredibly difficult for them to sit through interviews and to have to relive the traumatic experiences they had. This has been a lengthy and arduous process for you all, and we thank you for your courage.

“I am glad these depraved individuals have been brought to justice, and I hope this sends a clear message that we will not tolerate sexual predators on our streets.

“If you are a victim of sexual abuse, please reach out to us. We are here to listen and work with you at your own pace, when you are ready.

"If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available."

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.

How to get help

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- We Are Survivors Manchester - provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.