Stockport man jailed for sexual offences against young children when he worked as a climbing instructor
Yesterday, Alan Ellinson, 68, of Towers Road, Poynton, Stockport, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of sexual offences against children.
Police confirmed that he has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
Ellison owned and worked at his family-run climbing instructing business called Rope Race, in Marple, from 1993 to 2023.
Ellinson was a trusted instructor who taught climbing lessons to groups of young children throughout the years.
The sexual offences took place between 2013 and 2015 with complaints from victims aged between 10 and 14.
Greater Manchester Police said: “The offences came to light after the mother of one of the victims reported the allegations to the NSPCC after her daughter revealed them in a conversation. The NSPCC reported it to the police and an investigation commenced immediately. Ellinson would teach junior sessions in climbing on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings with groups of children from six to 14 years of age.”
Adding: “He would keep sweets in his pockets and ask the children to reach into his pockets to get one. Some of the children claimed that they would reach for a sweet and feel his penis through the fabric of his pocket. Some children also noticed that Ellinson would sometimes have his penis exposed over the top of the waistband of his trousers.”
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.
Police said that 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 taught “vindictive and feral”.
Rope Race closed in September 2023.
Greater Manchester Police said: “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.”
He was sentenced to five years in prison, where he must serve 30 months custodial.
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.”
She said: “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.”
Adding: “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.”
Greater Manchester Police have provided the following resources for those who may need support:
- 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 [email protected]
- 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.