Hindley man jailed for over seven years for the kidnap and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl

Michael Owen (26/10/1988) of Bridgewater Street in Hindley, was today (Tuesday 15 November 2022) jailed for seven years and six months at Manchester Crown Court, for the kidnap and assault of a 16-year-old girl.

The court heard how Owen, who had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing, had seen the intoxicated teenager outside a nightclub in Leigh at 5am on 13 March 2022. He had approached her and helped her to her feet, under the premise that he was looking out for her.

He had then helped her into a taxi, telling the driver to drop them off at his home on Bridgewater Street. Once there, the girl reported she remembered waking up in Owen’s bed partially clothed and screaming to go home but was told by Owen that he was just looking after her.

Giving evidence to the court via video link, she reported that her memory was very patchy and next remembered someone banging on Owen’s front door. This was her father, who had obtained the address from the taxi driver, who had answered the phone the youngster had dropped in his taxi, when her father had rung it.

The court heard how Owen had called 999 to report someone banging on his front door, 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 youngster was taken to hospital for examination.

Jailing Owen for seven-and-a-half years behind bars, the Judge also deemed him to be a dangerous offender and handed down an extended licence period of 4 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, 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 male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Michael Owen