A Tameside man has been jailed for 24 years for sexual offences against two girls

Mark Thomson (28/06/1977) of Tyrell Grove, Hyde, has been jailed for 24 years after being found guilty of an oral rape, an attempted rape and several sexual assaults against two girls under the age of 13 at Manchester Crown Court today (Thursday 9 May 2024).

The court heard two cases against Thomson, with the first happening whilst caring for one of the girls.

He would invite her into his bedroom on more than one occasion under the pretence that they were playing a game and would orally rape her.

The second case against Thomson relates to him grooming a girl under the age of 13 over a two-year period. 

After multiple sexual offences against the victim, the 46-year-old would progress exposing his genitals and asking the victim to ‘suck it’ whilst pushing her head towards his crotch.

An extensive investigation was led by the officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Kristy Hamlet. 

Detective Sergeant Jemma Ford from South Manchester CID said: “I would like to thank both victims for their incredible bravery for coming forward in the first instance and then their courage to relive these awful incidents throughout the entire investigation.

“Multiple detectives and officers from South Manchester’s Crime Investigation Department dedicated their efforts to ensure that the victims received justice. I hope this conviction goes someway in doing this.

"GMP will do their absolute utmost to thoroughly investigate all reports of this type of crime and bring the perpetrators to justice."

Report and Support 
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.