A ‘DANGEROUS’ paedophile evaded justice for 28 years after his victim was 'sadly let down' by Social Services, Cheshire Police, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Andrew Grierson was finally jailed on Wednesday, November 11, after being found guilty of abusing a child in Wilmslow between 1996 and 2004.
Concerns about the now 65-year-old’s behaviour were first raised with Children’s Social Care in 1998.
Due to lack of evidence, the matter was closed without any police investigation.
Six years later, the victim reported the abuse to police herself, and Grierson was arrested and interviewed.
He denied the allegations, and the case was referred to the CPS.
However, charges were not authorised, and he was released without charge.
In 2011, the victim contacted police again and provided a detailed account of the abuse, which occurred over eight years.
Despite this, the case was once again closed following a decision not to seek further CPS advice.
Ten years later, the victim again contacted Cheshire Police and requested her case be reopened.
Then Detective Sergeant Claire Miles conducted a full review of the investigation and made the decision to reopen it.
Grierson, now of McCormack Drive, Wigan, was interviewed again in December 2021 in relation to the allegations and denied the offences put to him.
Despite this, he was subsequently charged in connection with the abuse.
A jury later found him guilty of four counts of sexual assault on a girl under 13, and five counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, following a seven-day trial at Chester Crown Court.
He was sentence to 18 years in prison.
At the conclusion of the case, Detective Superintendent Dave Worthington of Cheshire Police said: “As a child, Grierson's victim was sadly let down by several organisations, including Cheshire Police.
"While nothing can undo the harm caused, I hope this result provides her with a sense of closure and allows her to move forward.
“Since the initial investigation in the early 2000s, the way we deal with reports of sexual offences has improved significantly, and we recently secured the highest charge rate for sexual offences in England and Wales.
“Putting an end to the sexual exploitation of children remains a top priority for the force, and victims should never feel ashamed of what they have experienced.
“Anyone who comes forward will be met with compassion, respect, and specialist support from our officers and partner agencies.
“All victims of sexual offences are entitled to anonymity, and we are committed to ensuring they receive the support and protection they deserve.”
Now a detective inspector, Claire Miles said: “Grierson preyed on the victim and sexually abused her over several years.
“He believed he could avoid accountability by discrediting her account, dismissing her experiences as nothing more than childish imagination.
“He knew what he was subjecting this child to was wrong, yet he continued regardless.
“He then repeatedly denied the abuse, forcing the victim to endure a trial rather than taking responsibility for his actions.
“I'm grateful the jury saw through his lies, and he has now been held accountable.
“Despite numerous setbacks, the victim persisted in reporting what happened to her and her continued support for this investigation is truly inspirational.
“It is thanks to her we have finally put a dangerous sexual predator behind bars where he belongs.”
For advice on identifying signs of sexual exploitation visit Child Sexual Exploitation & How to Keep Your Child Safe (NSPCC)
To report a sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101. Information can also be given online at or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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