A man from Wythenshawe has been jailed after subjecting two men to sexual assault

On Friday 9 July at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Christopher Spencer (05/05/1967) was jailed for 20 months after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual assault.

The charges against Spencer relate to two sexual assaults, one having occurred in 2017 and the other dating back to 1999.

The first offence occurred in August, 1999 at a property in Wythenshawe, Manchester when both the victim, a man aged in his 20s at the time, had returned from a night out with Spencer.

Shortly after returning to the property Spencer subjected the victim to oral sex against his will.

Spencer was arrested shortly afterwards, however the victim felt unable to face a trial at the time of the offence and the case was subsequently dropped. The victim now suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the assault and it is only recently that he has felt able to support a prosecution.

The second charge follows an incident in May 2017 when Spencer had been drinking with four others at a property in Tameside

During the early hours of the morning, a man who had been drinking with Spencer fell asleep on a sofa in the living room. He later awoke to find Spencer had been subjecting him to oral sex as he slept.

Startled, the man pushed Spencer off of him and kicked him out of the house before immediately reporting the sexual assault to the police.

Spencer was subsequently arrested and following a lengthy investigation detectives were able to identify the victim from the 1999 assault and charge him with two counts of sexual assault.

Detective Sergeant Ruth Hunter of GMP's Tameside district, said: "First I'd likely to commend the two men that Spencer subjected these heinous assaults on. Their bravery and co-operation through what must have been a very difficult and traumatic investigation for them has been vital in helping to secure a conviction today.

"Spencer exploited and abused the trust of those around him and whilst his despicable behaviour will likely stay with them forever, I hope today's result provides some form of closure and comfort to them."

Anyone affected by this case should contact police online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk , or call 101. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- 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 boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.