Kert Birtwistle

A Blackpool man, Kert Birtwistle, and his brother Jordan Wright have been sentenced to a combined total of 30 years in prison for committing heinous sexual offences against seven young children. The crimes, which involved rape and sexual assault, took place primarily in Preston between 2009 and 2013. The victims, both boys and girls, were all aged under 13 at the time of the abuse.

Kert Birtwistle, 29, from Bright Street in Blackpool, was convicted on 14 counts of rape and sexual assault following a trial. He received a custodial sentence of 12 years. His brother, Jordan Wright, 30, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to 18 charges, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault, and was sentenced to 16 years and two months in prison. The court heard how the siblings carried out their predatory actions against vulnerable children over a four-year period.

Detective Sergeant Rachel Benn from Lancashire Police's South Exploitation Team commended the bravery of the victims in coming forward. In a statement, she said: "First and foremost I would like to commend the victims in this case for having the courage to come forward and speak up about what happened to them, without their bravery we would never have been able to secure these convictions and sentences against two very clearly dangerous offenders and I hope they feel some sense that justice has been done." She further noted: "I hope that the sentences handed down by the court gives others who may have suffered similar ordeals the courage to come forward and speak up in the knowledge that we will investigate sensitively and professionally."

The case was investigated by Lancashire Police, highlighting the force's commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation. The convictions underscore the severe consequences for those who perpetrate such crimes against children, providing a measure of closure for the affected families.