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

The Courier Is Late. Where Do the Next Ten Parcels Go?

“Just put it with the others.” The others are already blocking the stock cupboard. The courier was meant to arrive an hour ago. Twelve more parcels...

Six Times Your Fire Risk Assessment Should Be Reviewed, Not Just Renewed

Some businesses can be guilty of treating a fire risk assessment much like they would an MOT. It gets carried out at least once...

 Christmas toy appeal calls on borough residents to help families in need

Rochdale Borough Council’s staff-run charity 'Number One Riverside Giving Back' is now collecting donations for this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal, which helps make sure...

Black Friday 2026: How to choose the right portable power solution

Black Friday falls on 27 November, 2026 — the perfect time to look for a portable power station for outage backup or off-grid camping....
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

Weathering steel offers lasting architectural appeal, but correct installation is essential

From contemporary housing developments to landscaped outdoor spaces, Corten steel is helping designers achieve a distinctive architectural finish without the need for regular painting...

Black Friday 2026: How to choose the right portable power solution

Black Friday falls on 27 November, 2026 — the perfect time to look for a portable power station for outage backup or off-grid camping....

Firefighters targeted in series of attacks during busy bonfire period

Firefighters responding to an increased number of incidents across Greater Manchester were subjected to a series of attacks. Crews experienced serious incidents across the city-region,...

What Greater Manchester workshops should know about spray booth extraction

Greater Manchester has a long tradition of making things, and plenty of workshops, fabricators and vehicle refinishers still rely on spray finishing to get...

More News

Pen Testing across two cities: What Manchester and Birmingham businesses should expect

How local context shapes testing scope; From scoping to retesting, explained plainly. Two of England's busiest commercial centres share a quiet problem. Offices, warehouses and...

£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...