38-year-old man sentenced to a minimum of 29 years and 9 months in jail for rape and other serious sexual assaults

Following an extensive investigation led by Greater Manchester Police Longsight Division, a 38-year-old man who pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and other serious sexual offences has been sentenced to a minimum of 29 years and 9 months in prison. He will also serve an extended 8 years on license.

Today (27/04/2023), Oliver Wolstenholme (DOB: 25/01/1985) of the Wythenshawe area of Manchester appeared at Bolton Crown Court.

He faced 19 charges in total including 16 counts of rape, 2 counts of assault by penetration and 1 count of voyeurism. The offences involved three victims and took place over 6 years from 2012 to 2018.

Wolstenholme was already serving a 22-year jail sentence handed down in November 2021 for other offences including multiple counts of rape and serious sexual assaults against girls under the age of 16.

The sentencing today (27/04/2023) means his sentence will now be extended to 29 years and 9 months.

Detective Constable Sardar of Greater Manchester Police Longsight Challenger Unit said: “First of all I would like to commend the bravery of the victims in coming forward and reporting what happened to them. Thanks to their actions, a coercive and violent sexual predator will now serve an extended sentence behind bars. This sentence will hopefully bring some closure to the victims who can now move on with their lives.

“I also want to thank the hard work of the joint investigation teams in Longsight and Stretford Police Station, who devoted long hours to compile the case against Wolstenholme to ensure he received a long jail sentence for his deplorable crimes.

"Wolstenholme is a danger to women and girls – he groomed and degraded his victims and was emotionally and physically abusive. The sentence reflects the horror of what we put his victims through and I hope the community is reassured to know he has been removed from our streets.

“If you have been affected by the details of this case, I would urge you to please come forward and inform police of what has happened to you.

“We treat every allegation seriously, sensitively and will do our utmost to investigate every crime of this nature to bring offenders to justice.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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.