Man, 20, guilty of 10 sex offences

A TWENTY-year-old Royton man has been found guilty of serious sex offences against a vulnerable young girl after a trial lasting almost two weeks.

Jack Farnworth was found guilty by a jury on 10 counts including rape and sexual activity with a child. He will be sentenced in January.

The victim was aged 13 and 14 at the time the offences were committed between early September and November, 2013.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court had heard that the youngster had been infatuated with Farnworth and thought she was in love with him.

Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, said the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had had consensual sex with Farnworth during their relationship, flattered by the attentions of the older man.

She came to realise, however, that there was a dark side to his character. He became jealous and possessive, aggressive and angry, often accusing her of cheating on him.

Farnworth, of Higginshaw Lane, then began to force his attentions on her, demanding that she indulge in sex acts against her will.

Police were called in after the girl finally broke her silence about what had gone on and told a teacher.

He was found guilty on two counts of rape and eight of sexual activity with a child.