Paul McGuffog

Paul McGuffog, a 61-year-old former police officer from Stretford, Greater Manchester, has been sentenced to six years in prison following his conviction for historic sexual offences against a vulnerable underage girl. The abuse occurred while McGuffog was involved in running a youth club in Manchester, where he exploited his position of trust to groom and assault the victim.

According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, McGuffog, who had a distinguished career in the police until his retirement around 2009, volunteered at the youth centre and managed its tuck shop. The girl, who was under 16 at the time, regularly attended the facility and developed a rapport with him. McGuffog would provide her with free crisps and coffee, instructing her not to tell anyone about these favours. This grooming behaviour escalated when he drove her to secluded areas in his car, where he carried out the sexual abuse over a period of several weeks.

• The jury at Manchester Crown Court convicted McGuffog of six counts of indecent assault.
• He was also found guilty of one count of attempted buggery.
• Additionally, he was convicted of misconduct in a public office for abusing his authority.

Sentencing took place on 8 October 2019, presided over by Judge Alan Conrad QC. The judge highlighted McGuffog's 'dark secret' hidden behind his otherwise respectable service record, noting how he used his 'status and greater sophistication to cultivate and seduce an impressionable and vulnerable young girl'. Judge Conrad described the conviction as a 'terrible fall from grace' for the defendant, who had also served as a well-regarded cricket coach post-retirement.

In a victim impact statement read out in court by prosecutor Brian Berlyne, the now-adult woman detailed the profound and lasting damage caused by McGuffog's actions. She stated: 'To him it might have been just a bit of fun, but for me it has ruined me.' She expressed relief at being believed by the jury, saying, 'Just for people to believe me, that was all.' The abuse exacerbated her existing personal struggles, leading to depression, trouble with the police, and ongoing trauma.

Defence barrister David Wood argued that the offences were out of character for McGuffog, describing him as 'uniquely gifted' in his coaching role and a 'rock' for his family. He noted the disbelief among McGuffog's supporters in the public gallery. However, the court imposed a custodial sentence, and McGuffog was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life. The youth centre involved has since closed. Greater Manchester Police investigated the historic allegations, leading to McGuffog's arrest and trial.