A man kidnapped and sexually attacked a teenager after spotting her outside a nightclub.
Michael Owen, 34, saw the 16-year-old girl outside a club in Leigh at 5am on March 13, 2022. Owen approached the girl, who was drunk, and helped her back on her feet, under the premise that he was looking out for her.
He then helped her into a taxi, telling the driver to drop them off at his home on Bridgewater Street in Hindley. Once there, the girl said she remembered waking up in Owen’s bed partially clothed and screaming to go home, but was told by Owen he was just looking after her.
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Giving evidence to Manchester Crown Court via video link, she reported her memory was very patchy but she remembered someone banging on Owen’s front door. This was her father, who had obtained Owen's address from the taxi driver, who had answered the phone the teen dropped in his taxi when her father rang it.
The court heard how Owen had called 999 to report someone banging on his front door, while at the same time the father was ringing the police to report his daughter was being kept against her will. When police attended a few minutes later and the circumstances were determined, Owen was immediately arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
The teenager was taken to hospital for examination. Owen pleaded guilty to the kidnap and assault of the 16-year-old and was jailed for seven years and six months at Manchester Crown Court.
Jailing Owen, the Judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender and handed down an extended licence period of four years, with a lifetime restraining order against the victim. He was additionally subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), with the conditions to be agreed by the prosecution, defence and probation at a later date.
Detective Sergeant Chris Preston from Wigan CID said: “We are very pleased with today’s result. Owen is a dangerous individual who preyed on this young girl for his own use, under the guise of being helpful and looking out for her.
“We are extremely grateful to the victim and her family, for the support they have given GMP throughout this investigation, which has led to this successful conviction. We would encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual assault, to dial 999 and speak to one of our team. We will listen to you and we will do everything we can to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.
“If you commit these crimes, we will find you and we will ensure that you are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, Greater Manchester Police is encouraging people to not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency.
- 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 help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- 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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