Survivors speak out after abuser jailed for 26 years

Five survivors of non-recent rape and sexual abuse have spoken out after their abuser, Thomas O’Rourke (31/12/51), was sentenced to 26 years at Bolton Crown Court on Monday 6 July. O’Rourke was found guilty of 31 counts of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against the five survivors.

The offences occurred over several decades, from the 1970s until the 1990s, in areas including Middleton and Blackley. One survivor said: "I stand here today to finish giving that child you tried to destroy, her voice, and end all the hurt you caused." Another added: "You made me feel so dirty and embarrassed for so many years."

Another survivor stated: "I initially didn’t want to write this statement as I do not like to portray myself as a victim or feel like one. I prefer to appear like a strong woman, and I especially wanted to in hope that he understands and feels even a little remorse for the damage he has done." A third survivor said: "My childhood was taken from me, and my teen years were disrupted. I did not have the opportunity to build relationships, go to college or seek a career."

The first survivor came forward in 2019 to report offences that occurred when they were a child. Further survivors were uncovered following this, with the Officer in Charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Jordan Wilcock, commending their courage. He said: "It takes immense strength to go through any investigation, however, the fact it has taken seven years and they have continued with it shows bravery beyond words."

Wilcock added: "He is a predator. He preyed on innocent children who should have been enjoying their childhood – learning how to ride bikes, play with their toys and grow up in an innocent world. He portrayed himself as a caring individual offering to look after them, however, this was all done to get close to them away from a place of safety."

Wilcock concluded: "Thomas O’Rourke will now spend the rest of his life in prison – away from the people he’s hurt and hopefully they will now start to be able to move on from the hold he has had on them for so many years."

If you have experienced any form of abuse, no matter when it was, please speak to someone and report it. We will listen to you and do all that we can to support you during the investigation.