Steven McGahan

Steven McGahan, a 44-year-old resident of Ferndale Walk in Leigh, Greater Manchester, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentencing on child sex offences he committed in the spring of 2024. McGahan had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. These offences took place between 10 April and 9 May 2024, highlighting a deliberate pattern of grooming behaviour targeting a minor.

The court heard details of McGahan's actions, which involved online interactions designed to solicit sexual engagement from the child. According to reports from Wigan Today, published on 10 December 2025, McGahan's conduct was deemed serious enough to warrant significant intervention, though the judge opted against immediate custody. Instead, McGahan was sentenced to a 21-month term of imprisonment, suspended for two years. This decision allowed him to avoid an immediate jail term, subject to compliance with additional requirements.

• He was ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities to address his offending behaviour.
• McGahan must participate in a 26-day Building Better Choices programme aimed at preventing reoffending.
• A 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed, restricting his interactions and access to potential victims.
• He was required to register as a sex offender for 10 years under the Sex Offenders Register.

The case was handled within the jurisdiction of Greater Manchester Police, reflecting the local impact of such crimes in the Wigan borough area. McGahan's guilty plea was noted as a mitigating factor in the sentencing, but the court emphasised the gravity of child sex offences and the need for ongoing monitoring. No direct quotes from the judge or prosecution were detailed in the article, but the suspended sentence underscores a balance between punishment and rehabilitation in this instance.

This incident forms part of broader efforts in the UK to combat child sexual exploitation, with McGahan's placement on the register ensuring police oversight for a decade. The offences occurred entirely within the United Kingdom, specifically in the North West England region.