The three Chorley Paedophiles, Michael Linfoot and Thomas Rae and Callum Hesketh have NOT been incarcerated for multiple sexual offences against a minor in 2018, following her grooming over a social media messaging platform.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Liverpool Crown Court, Michael Linfoot, 24, Callum Hesketh, 24, and Thomas Rae, 24, all from Chorley, were convicted of many sexual offences committed against an adolescent female in the Rivington area of Bolton seven years prior.
On 23 April 2018, Callum Hesketh contacted the victim, then 15 years old, using a social media messaging platform, soliciting her participation in a threesome, which she refused.
In the subsequent weeks, Callum Hesketh persisted in calling and messaging her. He would subsequently initiate a video conversation with her, requesting that she assume various sexual positions while he engaged in masturbation.
On the evening of 16 June 2018, the victim and her companion received a ride from Callum Hesketh and Michael Linfoot in the Adlington vicinity. The two men abducted the two females in a white van owned by Michael Linfoot in exchange for alcoholic beverages.
They travelled to Rivington and parked the van, where the victim’s companion received a phone call and exited the vehicle. Simultaneously, Callum Hesketh engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim as Michael Linfoot exposed himself and perpetrated oral rape.
During this event, Callum Hesketh documented the sexual actions on his mobile phone and disseminated them through a broadcast feature on a social media site, accompanied by the caption, ‘Gang bang out here.’
The victim overheard Callum Hesketh conversing on his mobile phone, and shortly thereafter, three additional men arrived on motorbikes.
Thomas Rae approached the van and sexually assaulted the victim orally.
Subsequently, the two girls entered the rear of the van, and Callum Hesketh and Michael Linfoot transported them back to Adlington, procuring a bottle of wine for them before to their departure.
After an extensive and thorough inquiry, the three individuals who confessed have received their sentences for their conduct.
Michael Linfoot has been found guilty of one count of engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16 in Rivington in 2018. He has received an 11-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
Thomas Rae has been found guilty of one count of engaging in sexual activity with a minor under the age of 16 in Rivington in 2018. He has received an 11-month prison sentence, which is suspended for 12 months.
Callum Hesketh has been convicted of sending sexualised social media messages to the victim and one count of making indecent videos of a child in Rivington 2018. He has been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
Detective Constable Robert Booth said: “Thanks to the bravery of the victim in coming forward and putting her trust in us. It must have been very difficult for her to have to sit through interviews and come to terms with what these men subjected her to.
“I would like to reach out to victims of rape and sexual abuse that have not yet come forward to let them know that we are here for you, we will support you and work with you at your own pace when you are ready, no matter the passage of time.
“Finally, I want to send a clear message to any perpetrators of sexual abuse; that we will not tolerate this abhorrent behaviour, and we will bring you to justice.”
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.
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.
We understand how tough it can be to come forward and report domestic abuse, but we would encourage anyone who is currently suffering in silence to reach out.
To start a report, visit www.gmp.police.uk and click on the blue ‘Live Chat’ icon.
A domestic abuse survivor has encouraged other victims and survivors to report their experiences via Live Chat.
How to get help
- 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
- We Are 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.