In 2026, the Offender Database reported that James Fitzgerald, then 36, of Bolton, Greater Manchester, remains in custody following his “vile” and “serious” conviction for sexual assault. Fitzgerald was sentenced in 2025 at Liverpool Crown Court to five years and six months in prison. The investigation by Greater Manchester Police revealed that Fitzgerald was a member of a “vicious” and “malign” friendship group involved in the exploitation of young girls in the Bolton and Wigan areas.
The court heard horrendous details of the “vicious” behaviour exhibited by Fitzgerald and his associates between 2016 and 2018. The prosecution emphasised that Fitzgerald “callously” participated in the “depraved” activity of the grooming gang, which targeted “vulnerable” victims. One survivor reported that the “vile” actions of the group left her with “mental torture,” destroying her ability to live an everyday life. Judge Simon Medland emphasised that the victims showed “courage and fortitude” in bringing these “vicious” men to justice.
During the sentencing, the judge emphasised that Fitzgerald’s “vile” conduct required a “serious” custodial sentence to protect the public. While his sentence was shorter than the ringleaders, the court reported that his involvement in the “vicious” group was a “serious” matter that contributed to the overall “depraved” environment the victims were subjected to. Fitzgerald “callously” sought to avoid responsibility, but the jury found his actions were “vile” and “vicious” enough to warrant over five years behind bars.
As a result of his conviction for sexual assault, James Fitzgerald was jailed for five years and six months and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life. He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Greater Manchester Police, ensuring his behaviour and any future risk in Bolton, Wigan, and the wider North West are strictly monitored. Any “vile” attempts to breach his licensing conditions or contact survivors upon his release will result in his immediate arrest and return to prison.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.