Man who attacked lone women in the city centre has been jailed for life

Today (Friday 17 January) Stuart Thomson has been jailed for life following an investigation by our Longsight Criminal Investigation Department.

In the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 31 January 2024, we received a 999 call from a victim stating she had been raped at knife point on Mancunian Way, Manchester. As police attended the scene, they were approached by a second victim, who had also been raped at knife point. Throughout the day, police received two more reports of a rape and an attempted rape at knife point, in the same location.

With extensive witness statements and descriptions of the offender, a manhunt was launched to find our suspect, identified as Stuart Thomson.

Detectives trawled CCTV to build a picture of his movements in the lead up to the attacks. On several occasions, he was captured on CCTV wearing distinctive items of clothing, including a hoodie with a grey insert on the back, a coat with green lining, a wool hat, and a high vis style t shirt.

At the scene, police also recovered a wool hat, which was mentioned in one of the victim statements, and it was seized for forensics. While at first it came back matching someone who did not match the description of our offender, police went to the address to conduct enquiries. The address was a hostel, and upon attendance, police spotted the offender, wearing the distinctive green jacket that had been identified during the CCTV trawls.

Thomson was arrested, and following a search of the address he was staying at, police seized several items of clothing which he was captured on CCTV wearing to commit the violent offences.

Despite answering “no comment” to every question put to him by detectives, we had built a strong enough case for the Crown Prosecution Service to authorise charges. After pleading not guilty, today (Thursday 28 November), a jury found Stuart Thomson (15/03/1990) of Buxton Road, Stockport, guilty of three counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, three counts of threatening another with a bladed article, and possession of a bladed article following a ten-day trial at Crown Square Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Jennifer Savazzi from our Longsight Criminal Investigations Department said: “It’s clear that Stuart Thomson is a dangerous sexual predator. He forcibly imposed himself upon these women in a violent and callous way with no consideration for the damage he was doing to them.

“I would like to praise our victims and survivors who have shown extraordinary courage throughout and have done all they can to assist the investigation and prosecution, it is their courage which has got us here today. This has been a lengthy and difficult process for them, and I am full of admiration for the courage and tenacity they have shown.

“By not accepting responsibility, Thompson has forced them to relive their pain throughout this trial. The harm offenders like Thomson cause are incalculable, but I hope this result goes some way in reassuring our victims, survivors, and members of the public that a dangerous man is off our streets, and i welcome this sentence today.”

Joanne Lovick, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “Thomson targeted lone women and lured them to a secluded location where he raped them at knifepoint.

“He showed no remorse for the trauma he inflicted with his brutal crimes, which have left a lasting impact on the three women he attacked.

“Even though Thomson denied his guilt and put the three women through the pain of a trial, the Crown Prosecution Service arranged for each of the victims to give their evidence in the way that was best for them – to minimise the impact of having to relive their ordeal.

“I would like to offer my deepest thanks to the women who have supported the prosecution and helped the CPS and Greater Manchester Police bring Thomson to justice.”

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.