In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Craig Berry, 43, was jailed for three and a half years for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old schoolgirl. On appearing at Bolton Crown Court, the defendant—formerly of Hindley, Wigan, but later residing in Worsley, Salford—was sentenced after being found guilty by a jury. It was reported that Berry committed the offences in November 2025 and continued to deny his actions throughout a seven-day trial, forcing his young victim to give evidence against him in court.
The investigation established the predatory nature of Berry’s conduct and his total lack of remorse. Greater Manchester Police reported that Berry believed the teenager would be too intimidated to report the assaults. The prosecution reported that the victim bravely confided in a school friend the following day before informing a teacher, which triggered an immediate notification to social services and the police. Despite clear evidence, Berry maintained his innocence to detectives, inflicting further psychological distress on the survivor.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Berry’s refusal to admit his crimes demonstrated a lack of courage and decency. Bolton Crown Court heard that the jury returned a hung verdict on two additional counts of sexual assault and assault by penetration, but found him guilty of two other horrific sex crimes. The investigation established that while Berry sat in the dock, the victim watched the proceedings from behind a screen to shield her from his view.
Judge Richard Gioserano condemned Berry for showing “not even a jot of remorse” and stated that the defendant deserved to lose contact with his own family following the conviction. For his actions in Wigan, Berry was handed three years for the sexual offences and an additional six months for two counts of breaching a restraining order. The judge noted that the teenager would likely be emotionally scarred for life due to Berry’s persistent denial and predatory aggression.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Craig Berry is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: 3 years and 6 months (Sentenced 2026).
- Licence Conditions: Half of the sentence to be served in custody, the remainder on licence.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are active for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Bolton Crown Court following a Greater Manchester Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Sexual assault (2 counts); Breach of a restraining order (2 counts).
- Origin: Hindley, Wigan / Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Berry is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) to ensure the safety of the community upon his eventual release. Due to the nature of his conduct in Wigan, which involved the grooming and assault of a schoolgirl and a subsequent breach of court orders, his management is a priority for the Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that his lifelong registration on the Sex Offenders Register is a critical tool to ensure he is subject to permanent vigilance regarding his residency and movements.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Berry must comply with all notification requirements regarding his identity and residence. Authorities state that his history of “sickening” offences and his lack of remorse in Bolton necessitate permanent vigilance by local offender management teams. Any future attempt to approach a minor, breach his licence conditions, or fail to disclose his location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and an instant return to the prison system.
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