A depraved paedophile teacher who worked at a Salford school has been jailed for 15 years for non-recent child sex offences against a schoolgirl.
Gary Day-Davies, 55, of Tyldesley, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 8 June after a jury found him guilty of three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual assault by touching a child.
The offences took place between 2006-09 when the survivor was a pupil at a school in Salford where Day-Davies taught.
The court heard that the abuse took place both at school and in Day-Davies’ home, where he invited the girl on the pretence of extra tuition before he plied her with drugs and alcohol and sexually abused her.
The survivor reported her abuse to Greater Manchester Police in 2022, which allowed officers to conduct a thorough investigation.
Throughout the investigation, Day-Davies denied the offences and at trial claimed the charges came as the survivor “must have just held a bit of a grudge” against him.
In a statement read out to the court, the survivor said: “Since receiving the news of the guilty verdicts, I feel like an enormous weight was lifted off my shoulders. The emotional trauma bond that I have endured for the last 20 years has finally severed.
“I can eventually breathe and think for myself without constant fear of the consequences. I finally have justice – this is justice not for me as a child but now as an adult too.
“As much as the outcome gives me some form of closure, I have not fully processed the full extent of this situation yet. I know I have a long road ahead of me in terms of recovery and I am very much looking forward to seeing what the future looks like for me.”
Inspector Dave Ogden, of GMP’s Criminal Investigation Department in Salford, said: “Day-Davies took advantage of the young age of the survivor to invite her to his home and sexually abuse her. He further sexually abused the survivor in the library and store cupboard in a classroom.
“Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you.
“We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”
Police have encouraged anyone affected by sexual abuse to report it and seek support.
“Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Remember – if in doubt, report it.”
The force signposted several support agencies which provide help to those who have been affected by sexual abuse:
– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
– Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
