Adrian Austin (23/06/1981) of Sanderson Road, Hurworth, has today (Friday 31 July) been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to 17 years in prison, with an additional two years on license after he was found guilty of 11 counts of assault and child sex offences:

• Sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 x6
• Indecent assault x4
• Indecency with a child

From the age of five, Nikita was abused by Austin, who was around 14 years old at the time. This began as Austin making inappropriate sexual advances towards Nikita and then progressed into sexual assault.

To support the investigation, Mellissa underwent Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help recall some of the memories of her childhood. EMDR is a form of therapy that involves moving eyes in a specific way to process traumatic memories.

After going through this treatment, Mellissa now recalls a specific memory, in which Austin assaulted her at the age of around six-years-old in their family home. This process was able to be used as evidence in court and was crucial in securing conviction for the offences against Mellissa.

Austin moved out of the house but continued to babysit Nikita and Mellissa alone in his flat in Manchester and abused his position to assault his sisters in a place that should have been safe and protected.

Austin was interviewed numerous times in relation to these offences, and he continued to deny them and blame his sisters for fabricating these allegations. Throughout his police interviews, Austin denied ever having Nikita or Mellissa at his flat, but Nikita was able to outline the exact layout of the rooms, which matched housing records, proving his defence was inaccurate.

After a trial in June, a jury unanimously found Austin guilty on all 11 counts against him. Nikita and Mellissa both shared powerful statements to the court:

Nikita said: “Although the abuse heard throughout this trial may feel distant in time to others, to me it still feels like yesterday. I remember it so vividly. The fear, confusion and dread of those years are permanently etched into my memory and have never left me.

“I was wrong to expect nothing of Greater Manchester Police in 2021. An investigation began. People listened. For the first time, my voice was not only heard but believed. As the investigation progressed, I slowly began to reclaim some of the power he had taken from me.

“Standing here today, I feel overwhelmed knowing that 12 ordinary members of the public did not only hear my voice, they believed it. In doing so, they restored something that was taken from me so long ago. I do not find forgiveness possible for what he has done to me and my siblings. But I have come to understand that forgiveness is not required for healing.

“I am determined that his actions will not define the rest of my life. I have already lost far too much to him, and I refuse to lose what remains of my life as well.”

Mellissa shared: “Recovering a memory of the abuse has been devastating. It has completely shattered my understanding of my childhood.

“I grieve for the six-year-old child that I was. I find it incredibly difficult to accept that the abuse happened to me. I think about how young and vulnerable we were, and I struggle to understand how my brother could do this.

“He took away my innocence and my sense of self. He was someone who should have protected me. Instead, he created a false sense of security.

“I am still trying to come to terms with what happened to me and to rebuild my life. Despite this, I am trying to be proud of the mother and partner I have become.”

Detective Constable Rebecca Lovekin, investigating officer for this case, said: “As this sentence is handed, my first thoughts are with Nikita and Mellissa. They have shown immeasurable courage, support and heart during these proceedings, which will have no doubt been a difficult time for them and their families.

“Austin maintained the defence that he had very little contact with his sisters, but Nikita and Mellissa bravely gave evidence during trial to prove the assaults.

“The evidence they have supported in gathering and the work they have done to support our investigation has enabled us to secure this conviction, and I’m so proud of them both.

“Just reporting these offences was a huge step for them to take, and they have pursued it through to the end to see justice served.

“We understand it was hard for both survivors that the initial investigation in 1997, regrettably, did not go as far as it should have. We have acknowledged this with both girls and apologised for the handling of the investigation at the time.

“Since then, we have progressed and the way we investigate sexual abuse, particularly historic sexual abuse has developed considerably, with a greater understanding of survivor experiences. The GMP of today has put Austin behind bars and secured justice for both girls.

“While we cannot change the past, we are committed to continuously working to support survivors and ensure they receive the care and justice they deserve.

“No matter when you report, we will be here for you. We will listen, we will believe you, and we will act.”

Report and support services:

Anyone experiencing abuse can report it to Greater Manchester Police via 101, online through the GMP website, or by calling 999 in an emergency.

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.

– 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

– 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.