Brandon Harwood

Brandon Harwood

25, Male Custodial - 10y 2025-04-28

Bolton, Greater Manchester

Offender ID: 1560ccf8-3b92-44b9-9a1a-f5f917080e37

Offence Summary

Brandon Harwood was convicted of rape, attempted oral rape, and sexual activity with a child under 16 as part of the Blackrod grooming gang that abused underage girls between 2016 and 2018. He received a 10-year sentence, serving two-thirds in custody, and was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Full Description

Brandon Harwood, aged 25 from Bolton, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the Blackrod grooming gang, which preyed on underage girls in Bolton between 2016 and 2018. As part of a group led by Ashley Darbyshire, Harwood contributed to the sexual exploitation of victims under 16, with offences uncovered through a Greater Manchester Police investigation triggered by a 2018 car crash.

The gang targeted young teenage girls via social media and local social spots, using alcohol, drugs, and indecent images to groom them. Harwood was convicted of one count of rape, one count of attempted oral rape, and one count of sexual activity with a child under 16. The abuses often took place at a squalid rented property in Blackrod, where the group congregated, causing significant damage to the premises.

Sentencing occurred at Liverpool Crown Court on 28 April 2025, where Harwood was ordered to serve two-thirds of his 10-year term in custody. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. This case forms part of a broader prosecution resulting in over 30 convictions for the group, highlighting systemic grooming and abuse. Detective Inspector Samantha Parry noted: 'We could not have gotten this far without [the victims]. You are all so incredibly brave.' The proceedings emphasise the police's serious approach to sexual offences against children.

Location

City: Bolton

County: Greater Manchester

Case Details

Police Force: Greater Manchester Police

Sentence Length: 10 years (Custodial)

Expected Release: December 2031
Guideline: two-thirds served for sentences ≥4 years; half otherwise (England & Wales). Estimates only.

Full Sentence End: April 2035
If served in full. Estimates only.

Name heritage (predicted origin)

Country: United Kingdom

Confidence: 95%

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to Greater Manchester Police for their tireless dedication in bringing this offender to justice. Your commitment and hard work truly help keep our communities safe, and we are deeply grateful.

Source: gmp.police.uk

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