Rapist jailed for nine years

A man from Heywood who raped a woman in Rochdale town centre and sexually assaulted a teenager in Manchester has been jailed.

Francis Henshaw, 42, has been sentenced to nine years in prison with a two-year extended licence after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.

Yesterday (Monday 3 July) Minshull Street Crown Court heard that in September 2022, Henshaw sexually assaulted a teenage victim on her way to work in Manchester city centre.

After pressuring the victim to join him in a back street, he proceeded to sexually assault her. A member of the public intervened in the incident and led the victim away.

Henshaw committed a further offence in December 2022, when he approached a woman on a night out in Rochdale town centre. A short time later, he sexually assaulted and raped her in a secluded area.

Following extensive work by investigators, Henshaw was charged with both offences. 

In addition to his imprisonment, Henshaw has been placed on the sex offenders' register for an indefinite period of time, to be reviewed regularly. 

Detective Sergeant Steven Gilliland, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the victims in these awful incidents for their bravery throughout this process. I would also like to thank all of the witnesses who came forward to help us bring about this result.

“Multiple officers and detectives have worked hard on this case and their efforts have ensured that the victims of this case received the justice that they deserved.

“Francis’ actions were abhorrent, and we welcome this sentence. This is a stark warning to offenders in Greater Manchester – this sort of behaviour will be treated with zero tolerance.”

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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 help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- 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.