David John Henderson

A predatory paedophile, David John Henderson, aged 64, has been sentenced to 14 years and four months in prison for a catalogue of sexual offences spanning over two decades. The case was heard at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, where details emerged of Henderson's long history of abuse beginning when he was just 17 years old.

Henderson's criminal behaviour started between 1979 and 1980 in Wales, where he attempted to rape an underage girl. Over the subsequent years, he continued his predatory actions, including raping a child and sexually abusing others. In a particularly harrowing incident, Henderson offered a woman a lift home but instead drove her to a remote location, where he raped her. The court learned that these offences demonstrated a pattern of exploitation and violence against vulnerable individuals.

Prosecutors outlined how Henderson's abuse persisted unchecked for over 20 years, affecting multiple victims. The severity of his actions was underscored by the judge, who described the offences as a 'catalogue of abuse'. Henderson showed no remorse for his crimes, which involved child rape and sexual assault.

The sentencing on 3 December 2016 marked the end of a lengthy investigation by Greater Manchester Police. As reported in the Rochdale Observer by journalist Alexandra Rucki, the case highlighted the long-term impact of such predatory behaviour. Henderson will serve his custodial sentence, providing some measure of justice for his victims.