Domestic Abuser found guilty of serious offences

Through brave disclosures from a victim, and an extensive investigation by our Rochdale CID, a verbally and physically abusive man has been convicted of several serious offences.

Ben Fitton (02/10/1991) from Glossop Derbyshire, was yesterday (Friday 27 September 2024) found guilty of two counts of rape, non-fatal strangulation, coercive and controlling behaviour and causing grievous bodily harm by a jury at Manchester Crown Court.

This torment of abuse continued for two years, with the victim feeling she couldn’t come forward earlier due to threats made by Fitton against her family. In June 2023, she bravely contacted us via our Live Chat desperately asking for help.

Many shocking disclosures were made to our detectives and Fitton was quickly arrested. During the investigation, we found evidence of abuse spanning three different force areas, ultimately compiling strong evidence to demonstrate the torment this victim had been put through at his hands.

In 2023, we became one of the first forces to take up the principles of Operation Soteria Bluestone, a national suspect focussed, victim centric approach to dealing with rape and sexual offences.

These principles were applied in this case, to ensure that the victim was at the heart of the investigation.

Whilst we still have more to do, in the last three years we have doubled rape outcomes and are now one of the higher achieving forces nationally. This means that more victims, as in this case, are securing outcomes through the criminal justice system for what they have been through.

Detective Sergeant Ruth Thompson, who led the investigation, said; “I cannot put into words just how brave this victim has been. Listening to what she has been through, it is unfathomable to imagine.

“Ben Fitton is a violent perpetrator who will now ultimately face justice in the coming months. His behaviour was constant and escalated as time went on.

“This victim has been supported throughout the process, but I know just how difficult it can be to come forward in these instances, particularly when you are under threat of violence, not just for yourself but also your loved ones. I want to make a plea to any victim who may be suffering something like these experiences to please come forward to us.

“We are committed to improving the service we deliver to victims, working closely with partners and support organisations to do that. We will listen to you, investigate thoroughly, and bring perpetrators to justice.”

 

Where to find support

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]
- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.