CrimeMan and woman jailed for roles in sexually abusing a child

Man and woman jailed for roles in sexually abusing a child

An Ashton woman has been jailed for inciting a man to sexually abuse a 4-year-old boy.

Naomi O’Brien (31) (pictured) received a total of four years and three months in prison, with a four years, four month Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offender Notification Requirements for life.

Jonathan Walker (33) of Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, was found guilty of sexually abusing a 4-year-old boy, along with engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and possession of indecent images. He was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years in prison.

During the investigation, chat was also discovered between Walker and O’Brien, indicating a sexual interest in children.

O’Brien incited Walker to sexually abuse the victim on multiple occasions in March 2023.

Following a complex investigation, and in conjunction with South Wales Police, Walker was arrested for multiple offences.

O’Brien pleaded guilty to three counts of intentionally encouraging and assisting another to commit a sexual assault against a child, two counts of intentionally encouraging and assisting another to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

“We can bring justice”

DI Marsden, of GMP, said: “Firstly, our thoughts remain with the victim and their family having gone through such a terrible ordeal.

“Following a tenacious and lengthy investigation of 1,865 messages, our dedicated team was able to prove that the female suspect’s chats were not simply a case of role play or fantasy – she had knowledge that the male had an interest in sexually abusing a young boy on the direction of her. 

“This is a significant result for what is a very vulnerable and innocent 4-year-old child who was subjected to multiple counts of abuse, but also for all other children in the community who could have been subject to similar offending by a predatory female who was inciting others to commit acts of sexual harm against the most vulnerable in society.

“I hope the sentence sends a strong message to the public that we will pursue all available lines of enquiry to ensure we can bring justice to victims of serious sexual assaults.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Tributes paid to ‘giant’ of Manchester politics, councillor Pat Karney

Tributes are being paid to councillor Pat Karney (78) who has died serving the city for almost half a century. Councillor Karney, who was receiving...

Six European food and drink pairings to refresh autumn menus and retail displays

LONDON, UK. October 13th, 2026 - As autumn inspires a return to richer flavours and comforting seasonal dishes, six distinctive pairings featuring protected European...

Southbank Centre to Share How Employee Feedback Drives Meaningful Change

LONDON, UK. October 13th, 2026: Employee feedback can offer valuable insight, but its impact depends on what happens next. A forthcoming People Insight webinar...

New Research Reveals Young Business Owners Now Largest Demographic Seeking Accountancy Support

WARRINGTON, UK. October 13th, 2026 - 25–34 year olds make up the largest share of people seeking accountancy support, and almost half are under...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

ONEEV Takes the Lead Among UK Free EV Apps Within Its First Year

LONDON, UK. October 8th, 2026: ONEEV has rapidly established itself as the UK's leading free electric vehicle app, achieving the milestone less than a...

How to find the best EOR providers for hiring tech professionals

When you're scaling an engineering team across borders, the last thing you want is a six-month entity setup blocking a hire who needs to...

MGM Gym founders set sights on national expansion following Deptford success

LONDON, UK. October 8th, 2026 - South London fitness and community organisation MGM Gym, established by siblings Jonathan Moore and Hannah Ruth-Moore, is preparing...

Herballea prepares for its next chapter with new workshops and website relaunch

FLEET, UK. October 8th, 2026 - Medical Herbalist Mila Banach is building on the growing interest in her Hampshire-based business, Herballea, with plans to...

More News

£110k haul seized including counterfeit ‘squishy’ toys

Trading Standards officers have taken a haul of £110,000 worth of dangerous and counterfeit toys off the market. Alongside Greater Manchester Police and a brand...

Fraudster ordered to repay victim following Trading Standards investigation

A Stockport businessman has been banned from being a director for a further 10 years after he left customers thousands of pounds out of...

Car thief jailed after hit-and-run robbery of cyclist

A TEENAGER has been jailed after knocking a young man off his e-bike in a stolen car, leaving him injured on the ground and...