Man sentenced to over 10 years for the attempt rape and assault of an elderly woman at a care home in Oldham

On Sunday 1 January 2023 at around 1:45am, officers received reports of a man carrying a knife at a Care home in Oldham. Officers attended the scene, searched the premises, and located the male inside the care home.

It was established that an 79 year woman had been sexually assaulted by the male and he was immediately arrested.

The victim was seen at hospital by staff of Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for tests. She along with her family received immediate support and treatment from specialist officers and support services.

After extensive CCTV analysis, and forensic analysis of the victim’s and suspects body and clothing, officers were able to identify the suspect’s DNA was a match with previously logged DNA on a database.

On Monday 2 January 2023, Jake Astley (02/03/2001) of no fixed abode was charged with the following offences:

• 1x count of knowingly trespassing on a premises with intent to commit a sexual offence.
• 1x count of committing an offence with the intention of committing a sexual offence.
• 1x count of assault.
• 1x count of affray.

Astley was remanded to await trial with an additional charge of attempted rape being added to his indictment. Astley pled guilty to the charge of attempted rape and assault.

On Monday 31 July 2023, James Astley was sentenced to 14 years (less 25% credit for plea) equating to 10 ½ years for Rape, serving an 18 month concurrent sentence for Assault.

Jake Astley

Detective Constable Sharon Harper of GMP’s Oldham district said: “The crimes that Jake Astley committed that night were horrific and we would like to thank the victim, her loved ones and the care home staff for their continued support throughout our investigations. This was no doubt a long and distressing investigation for the victim and her loved ones.

“Jake Astley – whilst under the influence of drugs and alcohol - was able to gain access to the premises and arrogantly and knowingly walk through the care home to commit crime where vulnerable adults resided whilst he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“He not only put the care home’s residents and staff through danger by threatening them with a knife and chasing them through their place of work or their home with a knife, but he then committed further atrocious crimes to a vulnerable elderly woman.

“Astley knowingly entered the victim’s bedroom, preyed upon her vulnerabilities, and began to assault and sexually assault her. His crimes are horrific and his lack of remorse for the victim and her welfare is despicable. Astley is a dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him.

“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 like these 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 from all partners including GMP.

“This case demonstrates the seriousness with which Greater Manchester Police deal with report of sexual assaults, including those committed against women and girls. 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.