A man has been sentenced to sixteen-and-a-half years imprisonment for multiple counts of indecent assault against a girl who was just 11 when they first met.

Peter Garns (15/11/1956), of no fixed abode, was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault and one of unlawful sexual intercourse against a girl over a three-year period in the late 90s and early 00s. He received his sentence at Bolton Crown Court on Monday (21 September).

Garns manipulated the girl into believing they had a genuine relationship and that he loved her.

Over the course of three years in the Stockport area, Garns sexually assaulted the girl on multiple occasions, as well as giving her cigarettes and putting credit on her phone, where he would regularly text her.

During one of the instances of abuse, the girl was still wearing her school uniform.

As she grew older, the woman bravely came forward and disclosed the crimes which she had endured.

Her bravery and commitment to supporting the investigation meant Garns has now been jailed for more than 16 years.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Jones, from GMP’s Stockport district, said: “Garns abused and manipulated a young girl for more than three years, taking advantage of her and committing vile crimes under the false pretext of love and care.

“The fact she bravely came forward meant that we were able to put together a comprehensive evidential file which secured charges for Garns, and resulted in his imprisonment. He has plenty of time to think about his crimes and I hope this result brings a level of closure for the woman involved in this case.

“I want any other victims of similar crimes to know that we will always investigate regardless of when it happened – whether it was 30 days or 30 years ago. Please do get in touch with us, as we will do what we can to help and support you.”

Support Available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk).

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester and nationally that can help and provide support for you.

For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.

Support for Rape and Sexual Assault:

St. 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.

Trafford Rape Crisis and Manchester Rape Crisis are run by women for women who have experienced rape and sexual abuse. They are both confidential and can provide 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.

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.

Image Credit Greater Manchester Police