On Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Alan Ellinson (born October 8, 1956), residing on Towers Road, Poynton, Stockport, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment following his conviction for sexual offences against minors.
Alan Ellinson has been indefinitely registered on the Sex Offenders Register and issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for a duration of 10 years.
This pertains to a comprehensive inquiry into historical sexual offences involving four children during Alan Ellinson’s ownership and employment at his family-operated climbing instruction business, Rope Race, in Marple, from 1993 to 2023.
Alan Ellinson was an instructor who provided climbing instruction to groups of young children over the years and was recognised by numerous families in the community.
The sexual offences occurred between 2013 and 2015, involving victims aged 10 to 14.
The assaults were uncovered when the mother of one victim submitted the claims to the NSPCC following her daughter’s disclosure during a chat. The NSPCC notified the police, prompting an urgent investigation.
Alan Ellinson would conduct junior climbing programs on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for groups of children aged six to fourteen.
He would conceal confections in his pockets and invite the children to retrieve one from them. Several children asserted that they would extend their hands towards a confection and perceive his genitalia through the material of his pocket.
Several children observed that Alan Ellinson occasionally had his penis protruding above the waistband of his trousers.
Alan Ellinson was arrested in 2021 and taken into police custody for interview where he denied all claims made against him. He was charged with abuse of position of trust; by causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Alan Ellinson denied all allegations made against him.
During his interview, Ellison came across as obnoxious and arrogant. He also spoke of how he “hated his job” and called the children that he made his living from teaching how to climb “vindictive and feral”.
Rope Race closed in September 2023. Alan Ellinson retired after its closure and no longer owns the business.
Following his trial, Alan Ellinson was found guilty of three counts of indecent exposure and four counts of inciting a child (under the age of 13) in sexual activity by a jury, following a three-week trial.
Alan Ellinson was sentenced to five years in prison, where he must serve 30 months custodial, and was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. He has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Detective Constable Lucy Williams, of Stockport division, said: “Thank you to the brave victims of these abhorrent crimes in coming forward and speaking with us. It is thanks to your courage and patience during this long and unpleasant process, we have finally been able to see justice served.
“Alan Ellinson was a trusted climbing instructor who taught children of families around the area, and he abused his position of trust. He is now where he belongs, in jail, and I hope victims and families feel more reassured now he has been removed from the streets.
“I want to reach out to all victims of sexual abuse who may not have come forward at this time, to let you know that we take all reports of sexual abuse seriously, no matter the passage of time. We are here to work with you at your own pace when you are ready.”
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- 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.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.