Michael Owen, a man abducted and sexually assaulted a teenager after observing her outside a nightclub.
Michael Owen, 34, encountered a 16-year-old girl outside a bar in Leigh at 5 a.m. on March 13, 2022. Owen assisted the inebriated girl in regaining her footing, ostensibly under the guise of concern for her well-being.
He assisted her into a cab, instructing the driver to take them to his residence on Bridgewater Street in Hindley. Upon arrival, the girl recounted awakening in Owen’s bed, partially attired, and pleading to return home, but Owen assured her he was merely caring for her.
Giving evidence to Manchester Crown Court via video link, she reported her memory was very patchy but she remembered someone banging on Owen’s front door. This was her father, who had obtained Owen’s address from the taxi driver, who had answered the phone the teen dropped in his taxi when her father rang it.
The court heard how Owen had called 999 to report someone banging on his front door, while at the same time the father was ringing the police to report his daughter was being kept against her will. When police attended a few minutes later and the circumstances were determined, Owen was immediately arrested and taken into custody for questioning.
The teenager was taken to hospital for examination. Owen pleaded guilty to the kidnap and assault of the 16-year-old and was jailed for seven years and six months at Manchester Crown Court.
Jailing Owen, the Judge deemed him to be a dangerous offender and handed down an extended licence period of four years, with a lifetime restraining order against the victim. He was additionally subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), with the conditions to be agreed by the prosecution, defence and probation at a later date.
Detective Sergeant Chris Preston from Wigan CID said: “We are very pleased with today’s result. Owen is a dangerous individual who preyed on this young girl for his own use, under the guise of being helpful and looking out for her.
“We are extremely grateful to the victim and her family, for the support they have given GMP throughout this investigation, which has led to this successful conviction. We would encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual assault, to dial 999 and speak to one of our team. We will listen to you and we will do everything we can to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.
“If you commit these crimes, we will find you and we will ensure that you are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, Greater Manchester Police is encouraging people to not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.