Mum of six-year-old boy speaks out as his abuser is jailed

Martin Kelman, of Polefield, Fulwood, was a friend of the young victim’s family and would stay over at their house.

But, a jury heard, the now 34-year-old took advantage of their hospitality to subject the son to vile sexual ordeals behind their backs.

Kelman denied two charges when he stood trial at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court: one of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and another of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.

But a jury took four hours to find him guilty on both counts after a harrowing video interview with the boy recounting his abuse was played to the court.

As well as the eight years he received, Kelman must also sign on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

The mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “It was an act of complete betrayal. Our son did not tell anything about what happened until a year afterwards.

“It just came out one day in conversation. I was horrified and immediately contacted the police.

“They arrested Kelman and he pleaded not guilty which made things worse and dragged everything out a lot longer.”

She added: “What that monster did is unforgivable.

The mum said that she had never been entirely comfortable in Kelman’s company, but at first put it down simply to his having an “over-friendly” personality.

The abuse took place more than two years ago in the Wigan area, where the victim’s family live.