A group of men accused of a wide range of child sex charges are set to face a trial by the end of year. The men from across Bolton and Lancashire were all arrested and charged as part of “Operation Pavarotti” a major investigation into child sex exploitation centred around the Blackrod area. Their case will now be moved from Bolton to be heard before Liverpool Crown Court and will be split over two trials.
Judge Martin Walsh said: “In view of the number of defendants who are due to stand trial, the only court that can accommodate this within a reasonable length of time is Liverpool.” He added: “There is simply no alternative, given the number of defendants who are due to stand trial.” The trials will be heard at Liverpool Crown Court (Image: Newsquest) None of the men set to face the trials were present for the brief hearing that took place at Bolton Crown Court to hear the latest stage in the case.
But set to face the trial in Liverpool include 27-year-old Ashley Darbyshire, of Westhoughton . He denies 10 counts of sexual activity with a child, six counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, three counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of sexual communications with a child. Harvie Aspden, 24, of Bolton, denies three counts of sexual activity with a child.
Also standing trial will be 23-year-old Wigan man Cory Barratt denies five counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration. Callum Hesketh has pleaded guilty to making an .
