A sick Rochdale rapist, who ‘robbed a girl of her innocence’ by sexually abusing her when she was just eight, was jailed yesterday.
Garry Layfield, 55, of Great Gates Road, Kirkolt, pleaded guilty of two counts of rape and indecent assault at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and will serve seven years.
Layfield, who started the abuse in 1975, was ordered to sign the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely.
Such was the level of his brutality towards his victim, she vividly recalls every occasion he abused her, including when he made her vomit and, on one occasion, even draw blood.
When she told her daughter of the abuse 30 years later, the matter was reported to police.
Detective Constable Lesley Nolan-Brennan paid tribute to the victim’s determination and courage in coming forward.
“I hope that this outcome sends a strong message to other victims out there of historic abuse,” she said.
“He (Layfield) robbed her of her innocence, manipulated her and has scarred her for life.
“Bringing sex offenders to justice is often the only way for victims to truly move on.”
When police raided Layfield’s house to arrest him on suspicion of rape, he replied “Rape? I haven’t even been out.”
The judge ordered that Layfield be given a Sexual Offences Prevention Order when he serves the custodial part of his sentence.
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a 24-hour forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault.
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