Man who raped woman on way to supermarket jailed

A man who grabbed and raped a woman whilst she was on her way to the supermarket in Rochdale has been jailed for nine years.

Jake Casey (aged 23), of no fixed abode, was jailed for nine years today (Friday) at Minshull Street Crown Court after being found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of rape, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and assault by penetration.

Shortly before 3.15am on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, police were called to The Esplanade, Rochdale, to a report that a woman had been raped.

The victim was walking to Asda when Casey had approached her and raped her near the steps that lead to Touchstones in an ordeal that lasted around 20 minutes.

The victim tried to make off but Casey wrapped his arm round her neck, causing the victim to nearly pass out.

Casey took her to Asda afterwards where thankfully the victim managed to get away and contact the police who arrived in minutes and arrested Casey.

Casey was jailed for nine years in jail with a further extended licence period of three years, 18 months for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, 18 months for causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and six years for assault by penetration all to run concurrently.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and a restraining order.

Detective Constable Melanie Jeffery, of CID Rochdale Division, said: "This was an extremely distressing ordeal for the victim who was simply on her way to the supermarket.

"Casey preyed on the woman and didn't care about her - he was going to get what he wanted regardless of her protests.

"He has shown no remorse for his actions from the beginning.

"Casey is now a convicted rapist who is going to serve a long custodial sentence.

"Justice has been served, however, it may have an understandably lifelong impact on the victim.

"I want to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and reporting this to the police - victims are always at the heart of our investigations.

"Working alongside partners, we'll continue to ensure she receives the necessary support."

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, do not suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- 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 0161 273 4500 or email: help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault.

Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation.

Call 0161 236 2182.

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