Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for the sexual offence against an elderly woman at a care home in Manchester

Following an investigation by GMP’s North Manchester CID, Stanley Ekhator (27/08/1986) has today (Friday 28 July 2023), been sentenced to 12 years for one count of sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder.

The investigation was launched on Saturday 17 December 2022 after officers received a disclosure of rape from a 76-year-old woman at a care home in Clayton, Manchester.

Initial enquiries with the victim suggested that she had been a victim of rape the night before the disclosure.

The victim was taken to Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for further tests and received immediate support and treatment from specialist officers and support services.

Through extensive forensic investigation and CCTV analysis, officers identified that the suspect was potentially a member of staff at the victim’s care home.

On Friday 23 December 2022, a 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Rape and Sexual Activity with a Person with Mental Disorder. He was bailed pending further investigation.

Stanley Ekhator (27/08/1986) of Aldermoor Close in Manchester was further arrested on 13 January 2023 and charged with Rape and Sexual Activity with a Person with Mental Disorder.

Ekhator appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Monday 16 January 2023 and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was remanded in custody to await trial.

On Monday 3 July 2023 Ekhator was found guilty after trial of Sexual Activity with a Person with a Mental Disorder.

Today (Friday 28 July 2023), Stanley Ekhator was sentenced to 12 years in custody .

Detective Constable Tanya Andreeva of GMP’s North Manchester CID said: “I commend the victim and her loved ones for their bravery throughout this investigation and for having the strength to report this horrific crime to Greater Manchester Police. This was a distressing and traumatic investigation for the victim and her loved ones.

“Ekhator’s lack of respect, remorse and his total disregard for the victim’s wellbeing is despicable. Ekhator used his position of trust and power to gain access to an extremely vulnerable elderly woman. He used this to his advantage and committed a horrific crime which has and will have a lasting impact on the victim and her loved ones’ lives.

“CCTV showed Ekhator entering the victim’s room for several minutes that evening before briefly leaving. Ekhator then enters the victim’s room again and stays for approximately five minutes. She bravely disclosed what happened when Ekhator was in her room the following day. Officers attended immediately to support her.

“The victim and her family’s bravery has been incredible from start to finish. Her strength and courage have shown throughout the investigation. We hope that today’s sentencing, in whatever way it can, will provide closure to her and her loved ones.

“We also completely understand that this case taking place in an assisted living/care home environment will cause some concern within the local community.

“We would like to assure members of the public that incidents are extremely rare, and we are working in collaboration with local authorities, care homes and support organisations to ensure that vulnerable people and residents are better protected and supported.

“Greater Manchester Police take allegations of rape extremely seriously and we investigate them with the utmost sensitivity. We will believe you; we will support you and we will do everything we can to bring an offender to justice.”

Support Available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the 'report' tool.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support for you. For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.

Support for Rape and Sexual Assault:

St. 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.