Rochdale man jailed for 18 years for abusing woman in front of her young son

A man who subjected a woman to physical, sexual and psychological abuse in front of her young son has been jailed for 18 years.

Craig Michael Moran, 34, of Rochdale, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault, sexual activity without consent, threats to kill and breaching a restraining order.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Moran viciously assaulted the woman numerous times between Friday 8 February 2019 and Sunday 10 February 2019.

On Friday 8 February 2019, Moran visited the woman’s home address where her young son was also present. The woman and Moran began to drink alcohol, Moran significantly more, and it was then when the violent attacks began.

The attacks then continued at his flat on Saturday 9 February when the woman met Moran to retrieve some items that he had stolen from her the night before.

The attacks were severe, causing a fracture to the woman’s leg, cuts, swelling and multiple injuries to her head, face and arms. After repeatedly telling the woman she was going to die, Moran then engaged in sexual activity without her consent.

On the morning of Monday 11 February 2019, after a ruthless and prolonged three-day attack, Moran left the woman, seriously injured and bleeding, outside his flat. A couple came to her aid, and took her to hospital.

It was only when the woman felt safe that she told a nurse about the abhorrent abuse and the injuries she sustained at the hands of Moran. The police were then contacted.

That evening, officers attended Moran’s home address. After he attempted to evade arrest, police located him at an adjacent property. He was then arrested and taken to Bury Police Station.

Detective Constable Russell Clarke, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “The sustained nature of this attack on the victim was sickening and included physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

“If it wasn’t for the kind and selfless actions of the couple who came to her aid, the victim, who was unable to walk, would likely have been stranded for some time and I would like to personally thank those people for the assistance they gave the victim that day.

“Without the bravery and strength of this victim, Moran would not have been brought to justice today.

“I would urge anyone out there who is suffering domestic violence of any kind to seek help, either from the police or approach their GP or nurse for help. You do not have to suffer in silence.”
 

• People in Greater Manchester are encouraged to get comfortable talking about domestic abuse in all its forms including coercion and control thanks to the ‘Sitting Right with You’ campaign. The initiative is designed to get people thinking differently about domestic abuse and encourages victims or concerned friends and family to take that first step towards help and support. For information and support visit www.sittingrightwithyou.co.uk
   
• Anyone who feels that they are being abused by a partner, ex-partner or a family member can approach their GP or nurse for help.
   
• The Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline is available to offer support for victims on 0161 636 7525 - Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm (excluding bank holidays). Alternatively the National Domestic Violence Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
   
• To report domestic abuse to the police, please call 101 or contact us via the LiveChat facility on the GMP website: www.gmp.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency