A man who committed sexual offences against children while working as a climbing instructor has been jailed.

68-year-old Alan Ellinson of Towers Road, Poynton, committed offences against four children aged between 10 and 14 while working at Rope Race in Marple between 2013 and 2015.

It follows a thorough police investigation, after a mother of one of the victims reported the allegations to the National Society for the Protection of Children (NSPCC). The NSPCC in turn told the police.

Ellinson was sentenced to five years in jail at Minshull Street Crown Court today (Thursday 22 May).

He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years. 

He was found guilty of three counts of indecent exposure and four counts of inciting a child (under the age of 13) in sexual activity.

Ellinson, who worked at Rope Race from 1993 to 2023, taught junior sessions in climbing with groups of children from six to 14 years of age - police said he was known by 'many families in the community'.

Children noticed that, during lessons, Ellison would expose his penis over the waistband of his trousers.

He would also keep sweets in his pockets and ask children to reach in and get one - some children claimed they would reach for a sweet and feel his penis through the fabric of his pocket. 

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, but denied all allegations made against him. 

Ellison was 'obnoxious and arrogant' in his interview, police said. He also said he 'hated his job'.

Detective Constable Lucy Williams of Greater Manchester Police's 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. 

"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. 

"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." 

Police also advised people who have been sexually assaulted not to suffer in silence. They suggested the following sources of 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. 

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