In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched an urgent manhunt after a 12-year-old girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted inside a Primark store. The incident—which occurred in Bury, Greater Manchester—took place at approximately 4.30pm on Tuesday 11 September. It was reported that the investigation began after the victim, who was shopping with a family member, was targeted by a man who followed her through the first-floor clothing department.
The investigation established that the offender first groped the girl as he walked behind her while she was looking at clothes. Greater Manchester Police reported that the man then continued to stalk the child around the shop; when she stopped a second time, he lifted her skirt. The victim turned around and noticed what appeared to be a mobile phone in the man’s hand, suggesting an attempt at covert filming or “upskirting” within the Bury town centre store.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The report stated that the girl immediately fled to her family member to report the assaults. While they were still inside the Primark store, the offender reappeared and attempted to approach the girl for a third time, seemingly unaware that her relative was standing close by. The investigation established that when the family member challenged the man, he became “very agitated” and quickly fled through the main entrance into the Bury town centre area.
PC Stephen Raine of GMP’s Bury Division described the incident as a “blatant and repeated” attack on a child in a public space. For the safety of the public in Bury and Greater Manchester, police released a CCTV image of a man they urgently wanted to speak to in connection with the crime. Authorities stated that the offender’s persistence in returning to target the victim even after being spotted indicated a dangerous level of predatory intent and a complete lack of concern for the presence of guardians.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Greater Manchester, the status of the Bury Primark Investigation as of April 6, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: UNKNOWN (Pending identification/arrest of the suspect pictured in 2018).
- Sex Offenders Register: Suspect will be subject to lifetime notification requirements upon conviction.
- SHPO Status: Application for an Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order will follow any arrest.
- DBS Status: Suspect will be placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children) upon conviction.
- Legal Status: UNDER INVESTIGATION (Sexual assault of a child; 2+ counts; potential voyeurism).
- Judicial Oversight: Investigated by Greater Manchester Police (Bury Division).
- Criminal Record: Stalking and groping of a 12-year-old; “Upskirting” attempt using a mobile phone; Confrontation with victim’s family.
- Origin: Primark, Bury, Greater Manchester.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The unidentified man is currently the subject of an active pursuit by the Bury Public Protection Unit. Due to the nature of his conduct—specifically the “blatant stalking” of a child in a high-traffic retail environment—his identification is a critical priority for Greater Manchester Police. Authorities state that his attempt to re-approach the victim a third time after being noticed demonstrates a high-risk predatory profile that suggests he may target other children in shopping centres across the region.
Anyone who recognises the man from the 2018 CCTV appeal is urged to contact the dedicated town centre officers on 0161 856 8181 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Authorities state that until an arrest is made, parents in the Bury area are advised to remain vigilant. Upon capture, the offender will face the full weight of the law at Manchester Crown Court, where his documented pattern of repeated public sexual assault will likely result in a significant custodial sentence to ensure the ongoing safety of the public.
QUESTION – Given that the offender attempted to approach the 12-year-old for a third time even after she had already noticed him, do you believe that “Stalking in Public Retail Spaces” should result in an automatic ten-year minimum sentence for any resulting sexual offence?
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