Youths photographed rape of girl
Date published: 10/10/2009
A teenage girl was raped four times by a gang who took pictures of the abuse on their mobile phones.
The 16-year-old victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was attacked in the attic room of a house in Rochdale on 28 May 2008.
The girl's mother called her mobile phone after noticing she was missing from their home, only to hear the cries of her daughter on the end of the line.
Her four attackers, aged 17 to 20, pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court.
The girl had gone to the house after being called on her mobile.
While there she drank Jack Daniels whiskey and was possibly drugged with some form of sleeping medicine before being sexually assaulted, the court heard.
Ajmal Alfridi, 19, raped the girl twice along with Imitaz Syed, 20, and Tayub Hussain, who each raped the girl once. They will be sentenced at a later date.
Virginia Hayton, prosecuting, told the court that Alfridi and Syed sexually assaulted the victim while Mustafa Arshad, 17, took two photos of the abuse on his mobile phone.
At one point, the judge was told, she was unable to move or speak, but could vaguely remember Syed being in the same room as her.
Her mother discovered she was not at their house and was "frantically" calling her mobile phone until it was answered and she could hear "Asian male voices".
"In the background and through those Asian male voices she heard a female voice she recognised as that of her daughter. She was repeating a name," Miss Hayton said.
The mother then left home to look for her daughter and discovered her wandering in a dazed state in the street.
She could not recall what had happened but had bruising on her hip.
A day later she found evidence of the sexual assault and police were called.
The court heard a report from an expert in this type of case, which said: "I am of the view she will never be able to fully recover from the long lasting trauma of these offences."
Alfridi pleaded guilty to two rapes and sexual assault and Syed admitted rape and sexual assault.
Arshad pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the sexual assault of the girl and taking two indecent photos.
He was sentenced to eight months in a young offenders' institute.
Another man, Mohammed Usman Raja, 20, of Free Trade Street, Rochdale, also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. He was jailed for six months.
Passing sentence, Judge William Morris told Arshad: "By taking photos you made a permanent record of her being degraded in this way."
Man bailed following teenage girl rape
Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 23/02/2009
A man arrested after a 15-year-old girl was raped in Rochdale has been bailed until Monday 27 April pending further inquiries.
Between 1am and 2am yesterday morning (Sunday 22 February), the 15-year old girl was walking through the wooded area that leads from Wardle Road to Ashbrook Hey Lane, known locally as The Brew, when she heard noises.
A man jumped out and grabbed her arms before raping her. During the attack the girl believes the offender was disturbed by a passer-by and ran away.
When the offender had left, the girl returned home and told her mother what had happened and her mother then contacted the police.
A short time later a group of girls approached a police officer and reported seeing a man acting suspiciously in the area. They then left before giving their details. Officers are keen to trace these girls and anyone else who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area around that time.
Detective Constable Janice Crutwell from Rochdale CID said: "This was a horrendous attack on a young girl and I am appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.
"I am particularly keen to speak to the girls who spoke to the police officers after they saw a man acting suspiciously in the area. Please get in contact with us as you could hold vital information for my investigation.
"Incidents like this are thankfully extremely rare but I would advise people walking home late at night to take safety precautions. Try to stay in groups, stick to well lit areas wherever possible and always make sure someone knows what time you’ll be home.”
Anyone with any further information on this incident is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8443 or Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.
St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
* * *
Rape police hunt returned man
August 03, 2004
THIS man wanted for questioning in a rape investigation may be back on the streets of Rochdale after being out of the country.
Police are urging members of the public to come forward with information on the whereabouts of Adnan Ahmed who also uses the name Adnan Mohammed.
They believe he may be back in Rochdale after a reported sighting by a member of the public.
He was thought to have left the country following the violent rape of an 18-year-old woman on 6 April 2003.
The victim was dragged from Derby Street, Rochdale to an address in Whitby Street in the early hours of the morning where she was raped.
An appeal was made on the BBC's Crimewatch programme soon after the attack.
The 27-year-old suspect is 5ft 6ins.
Said Detective Inspector Martin Jeff: "This was a very nasty attack that left the victim deeply traumatized.
"We believe this man may have returned to the Rochdale area recently and are appealing for someone who may know of his whereabouts to get in contact with us."
Information can be given to police on 0161 856 8543.
Attempted rape in Rochdale
A MAN sexually assaulted a woman and attempted to rape her in Rochdale.
Around 6pm on Monday 26 October 2009, the 23-year-old woman was at the Esplanade memorial gardens when the offender attacked.
He approached and pulled her towards the seesaw in the gardens.
He began kissing and groping her and then attempted to rape her.
Luckily, the woman escaped and ran to the nearest police station.
The man is Asian, between 23 and 25 years old, with short black hair and a moustache. He was wearing a brown coat with dark trousers made from thick material with a button on zip and left in the direction of the Post Office.
Constable Ben Harris said: “This was a frightening experience for the girl and fortunately she managed to run off.
“As the dark nights draw in, I would like to remind everybody who is outside that they should stay in groups where possible.
“If they must go it alone, please stick to busy, well lit areas.
“Anyone with information regarding the attack should contact the police on 0161 856 3240 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Inquiries are ongoing.
* * *
Monday's BBC One programme Trail of Guilt: Close to Home hears from victims and others close to the case, and reveals how police and forensic scientists caught the killer who terrorised a community.
When retired schoolteacher, Eileen Jawczak, was found sexually assaulted and murdered in an alleyway close to her home in Rochdale, the town was left frightened and angry.
The ferocity of the beating she had received shocked hardened detectives.
Eileen had been for a night out at a local pub quiz and was attacked on her way home. 
Initially, scientists were encouraged by the possibility of forensic evidence. A pair of tights had been used to strangle Eileen. Ligatures can be a very good source of offender DNA as the killer was likely to have been holding them tightly, perhaps nervous and sweating.
But in moving Eileen's body to the mortuary the tights had been heavily bloodstained which made obtaining a DNA profile impossible.
Police feared more attacks
Scientists had to fall back on more traditional methods such as looking for transferred fibres from the attacker, which they found - blue and red fibres in large amounts - but with no suspect or garment these remained "evidence in waiting".
Detectives were concerned about the level of violence used against Eileen and feared privately that the man might strike again. Two weeks later there was another attack.
A 19 year old girl was raped, beaten and stabbed with a knife and left for dead, less than a mile from where Eileen Jawczak had been found.
Again, there was no DNA. There were several clues that could help once police had a suspect, but so far there wasn't one and detectives struggled to make sense of the new attack.
Many similarities
The offences were unusual in that the ages of the victims were very different but there were also many similarities.
Despite media attempts to find a link, police had no evidence and were keen to try to manage people's fear. Women in Rochdale were scared and were wondering when and where the man would strike next.
In media appeals they asked the people of Rochdale to think the unthinkable - was someone close to them responsible?
The breakthrough came when a forensic scientist spotted similarities between the attacks and an earlier rape case. DNA checks threw up the name of local petty criminal, Michael Hardacre. He had previous convictions for street robberies and burglaries but had never been considered a sex offender. 
Two weeks later a palm-print and a foot-print were found in the blood of a rape victim. They matched those of Michael Hardacre and eventually led to his conviction.
In September 2001, he was jailed for life for the murder of Eileen Jawczak. He also received sentences totalling 146 years for rape, robbery, grievous bodily harm and indecent assault.
* * *
Cop quizzed over park rape claim
April 20, 2005
A POLICEMAN has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in a public park.
The woman, who is understood to be a prostitute, alleged she was raped in Broadfield Park, Rochdale.
The 51-year-old constable was arrested the following day.
The officer was released on police bail until June pending further investigations.
The force confirmed he was off duty at the time of the alleged assault last Thursday evening.
Police said he has been placed on restricted duties and faces an investigation by Greater Manchester Police's internal affairs branch following the completion of criminal proceedings.
Investigation
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "A 51-year-old serving police officer has been arrested following a report of a rape against a woman in Broadfield Park in Rochdale. The incident is believed to have happened shortly before 11pm on Thursday April 14, 2005.
"The man, who was arrested on Friday April 15, 2005 on suspicion of rape, was released on police bail until June 1, 2005, pending further enquiries.
"The officer was off duty at the time the incident is alleged to have taken place and has been placed on restricted duties. An internal investigation will be conducted following the conclusion of the criminal investigation."
In an unrelated case, the M.E.N. revealed earlier this month that a police constable in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of rape as he reported for work at Bury police station.
He was released on police bail pending further investigations after the alleged victim told the investigating officers she had been targeted three times in a year.
* * *
Man faces 11 charges of rape
A 26-year-old man is to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court accused of 11 offences of raping a woman.
Iftikhar Hussain, of Millfield Grove, Rochdale, denies all the charges, dating from April 1 this year to September 24.
His five-day trial is set to start on June 21.
Hussain’s bail was extended until the next hearing.
* * *
Boys (12) accused of male rape
August 05, 2005
TWO 12-YEAR-OLD boys have been charged with raping a severely disabled man.
The pair, who cannot be identified because of their age, appeared at Rochdale Magistrates Court on Wednesday in connection with a series of alleged sex attacks on a man with severe learning difficulties, who is also deaf.
The alleged victim informed his social worker who then alerted police.
The alleged incidents are said to have taken place on 5 May, 11 June and 28 August last year in south Rochdale.
One of the boys faces two counts of rape and two of committing a serious sexual offence against a man who was unable to refuse because of his mental disorder. The other faces one count of rape and two of committing a serious sexual assault.
They will appear in court again on 28 September when they will be committed for trial at Crown Court. They have been given unconditional bail.
* * *
Church sex abuser is jailed for three years
January 15, 2010
A CHURCHGOER has been jailed after he sexually abused a child during services.
David Wild, aged 46, was charged with nine counts of indecent assault that took place 25 years ago.
The offences took place between 1985 and 1990 at Greenhill Methodist Church in Littleborough.
Wild touched a girl inappropriately over her clothing during Sunday School activities and Christmas parties.
The assaults took place while she was sitting on his knee during services, watching cartoons from a projector in a darkened room or taking part in piggy- back rides.
In interviews given to the police when the offences came to light two years ago, Wild said: "I know you've got a job to do, but why are you bringing this up now?"
Wild, last known to be living at the Salvation Army hostel in Rochdale, was reported to have a ‘limited intellect’ and had become a loner since the break up of his marriage.
He had been living at the Salvation Army until very recently and was being paid incapacity benefit due to severe arthritis.
He had since moved into a council flat and was said to be getting on well with his neighbours, with his mother reported to have been gravely disappointed by the actions of her son, but standing by him through the case.
The victim and her family was present at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday to hear the verdict and cried tears of relief as Wild was sentenced to three years in prison.
Judge William Morris said: "He's repeatedly taken these opportunities - he's not a subtle individual.
"It is a sad consequence that these offences have a lifelong effect - the victim finds it difficult to come to terms with what's happened.
"What is so tragic and also sad, is the effect of what you did so long ago has had on her in later life.
"I obviously had to take into consideration the extent of the risk that you present in the future and you do present some risk."
Addressing the victim Judge Morris added: "Anyone listening will feel sympathy that you were affected so much when you were so little. I hope now that the sentence will help you to come to terms with what's happened."
Wild was also given an order to prevent him working with children and will be obliged to sign the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.
Speaking after the case the victim said: "The relief is brilliant, we weren't expecting him to get three years, at first we were told he would get a minimum community order.
"It has been frustrating, that case has taken two years to be taken to court. It's a relief that he has been named and shamed for what he's done.
"I've come out stronger in the end, I'm so glad that I gave evidence.
"This has taken away my innocence as a child. I've got closure - it's his turn for punishment now."
* * *
11-year jail term for three rapes
April 04, 2009
A KIRKHOLT man has begun an 11-year jail term after pleading guilty to rape charges at Bolton Crown Court.
John Podmore, aged 64, of Balderstone Road, was charged with three counts of rape between 1987 and 1994.
He initially denied the charges, but changed his plea to guilty on the first day of the trial.
He returned to court on Tuesday, where he was sentenced and immediately taken into custody.
The court heard that Podmore now suffers from a number of health problems, including depression, arthritis and angina and is a full-time carer for his wife.
Sentencing, Judge Elliot Knopf said he accepted that Podmore would probably not survive the length of a prison term, but that this could not detract from the seriousness of what he did or the contempt he had shown his victim.
Judge Knopf said: "Despite the number of years that some of us have been involved with the criminal justice system, there are still some cases that come before court that can shock and can horrify. This is one of those cases.
"You told your victim she would not be believed if she told anyone about what happened.
"You targeted her with the intention of satisfying your lust, irrespective of what she may have said or any complaints she made.
"Only an immediate custodial sentence of some length can be justified."
Podmore was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register, which he will remain on for life.
* * *
Woman raped on way home
Date published: 31/12/2009
A woman was raped as she made her way home in Kirkholt.
Shortly after 10pm on Tuesday 29 December 2009, police were called to a house in Kirkholt following reports a woman had been raped on a grass verge at the junction of Hill Top Drive and Rudyard Grove a short time earlier.
The victim, 18, had been at a house on Hill Top Drive and was attacked as she walked home.
The offender is described as white, between 40 and 50 years old, 5ft 5in tall, of fat build with short grey hair with a long fringe, bushy eyebrows and black 'beauty spot' under his left eye.
The woman is being comforted by specially trained officers and is yet to be formally interviewed by police.
Detective Sergeant Jason Burke, of Rochdale CID, said: "This appears to be an isolated incident and we are doing all we can to identify the man responsible.
"Incidents such as this are rare but I would urge women, where possible, not to walk alone at night and to take extra care during the New Year celebrations."
Anyone with information about the incident or man responsible is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
* * *
Pub landlord given life sentence for rape
Date published: 26/11/2007
A pub landlord has today, Monday 26 November, been sentenced to life in prison for raping a woman at his pub in Rochdale.
Richard Salt (28/07/71) of Edenfield Road, Rochdale was convicted of one count of rape, sexual assault by penetration and an incitement to pervert the course of justice. He was given a life sentence for public protection with a recommendation to serve 14 years and was told he would only be eligible to apply for parole after a minimum of seven years.
He has also been put on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
On Saturday 10 June 2006, a 21-year-old woman stayed behind at the Lancashire Lass Pub on Edenfield Road after the pub closed and accepted several drinks from Salt.
She woke the following morning in Salt's bed, with no memory of what had happened. She went home and contacted the police. Salt was arrested later that day on suspicion of rape.
When officers searched Salt's address they found CCTV of him sexually assaulting the woman.
He was charged on Thursday 14 December 2006.
Detective Chief Inspector Jeff McMahon from Rochdale CID said: "Salt's crimes are nothing short of despicable. He stupefied his victim and took advantage of her while she was not able to defend herself.
"This woman has been left devastated by what has happened to her. I hope she can take some comfort from the fact that he has been held to account for his crime and won't be able to hurt anyone else."
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.
St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
* * *
Falinge man charged with Bolton rape
Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 23/06/2009
A 26-year old man from Lower Falinge has been arrested after a woman was raped in Bolton.
Funsho Bello, of Atherstone, has been charged with rape and conspiracy to commit rape.
He becomes the sixth man to be charged in relation to the incident and is due before Bolton Magistrates' Court tomorrow (24 June).
Five men from Bolton appeared before Bolton Magistrates' Court today (23 June) and were remanded in custody until 9 September.
On Friday 19 June, police were informed that a 23-year old woman had been raped at a house on Bradbourne Close in Bolton.
* * *
16 years later, sex offender is jailed
Date published: 30/03/2009
A man who fled to Australia to escape sex assault charges more than a decade ago has been brought to justice.
Andrew McDonough, 45, of no fixed address, admitted a number of sexual offences, committed in Rochdale, including sexual assault and rape.
He was sentenced to fourteen years in prison at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square on Friday (27 March).
In 1993 police received a complaint from a girl, who was about 10 at the time, reported that she had been sexually assaulted by McDonough.
Before he was due to stand trial he fled to Australia.
McDonough fled as police received another report of serious sexual assault and rape by another woman, who was 26 at the time. The offences related to sexual assault and rape when she was a young girl.
McDonough was extradited from Australia last year and finally admitted what he had done.
Detective Sergeant Karen Siddall, from the Public Protection Investigation Unit at Rochdale, said: "McDonough is a sick individual who put his victims through the most horrendous ordeal.
"He knew what he had done and, as he was about to face the reality of his crimes, fled to other side of the world.
"While it has been an extremely lengthy wait for his victims I am pleased he has finally been brought to justice.
"He will now spend a very long time behind bars where he will have plenty of time to reflect on the terrible things he has done."
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.
St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
* * *
Teenage girl raped
Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 22/02/2009
A 15-year-old girl was raped when walking through woods between Wardle Road and Ashbrook Hey, known locally as The Brew, between 1.00am and 2.00am this morning (Sunday 22 February).
During the attack the girl believes the offender was disturbed by a passer-by and ran away.
A short time later a group of girls approached a police officer and reported seeing a man acting suspiciously in the area. They then left before giving their details. Officers are keen to trace these girls and anyone else who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area around that time.
However, a 20-year-old Rochdale man has been arrested and detained in custody.
Det Sgt Sam Halligan from Rochdale CID said: "This has been an incredibly distressing ordeal for this teenage girl to go through.
"Incidents like this are thankfully extremely rare but I would advise people walking home late at night to take safety precautions. Try to stay in groups, stick to well lit areas wherever possible and always make sure someone knows what time you'll be home."
The girl's mother alerted police after she returned home and told her what had happened. Police want to hear from anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the attack.
Det Sgt Halligan said: "I would ask anyone who was in this area of Rochdale in the early hours of Sunday morning to think back to see if they can remember anything that could help our investigation."
"I am particularly keen to speak to the girls who spoke to the police officers after they saw a man acting suspiciously in the area. Please get in contact with us."
* * *
Police hunt taxi driver after rape attempt
Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 10/02/2009
A taxi driver tried to rape a customer who was on her way home from a night out in Manchester.
The 27-year-old victim, along with her friend, flagged the car down in the city centre and headed back to Rochdale in the early hours of Saturday 8 February.
It is believed the taxi dropped the friend outside the Church Inn, Rochdale Road, Castleton, leaving the victim to travel to the Middleton area where the attempted rape happened.
Police are now appealing to anyone who has information about the incident to come forward.
The taxi is described as a white or silver mini bus-type vehicle with a sliding door. The driver is described as an Asian man, aged 30 to mid 30s, of average height and build.
It is not known at this stage whether it was a licensed taxi but it was not pre-booked.
Detective Inspector Stephen Earnshaw from Rochdale CID said: "It was a terrifying experience for the victim, and it is vital we catch this man.
"I would appeal to any witnesses who saw the women being collected from Peter Street near to the Chicago Rock Cafe or being dropped off in the Middleton or Castleton areas to come forward immediately.
"It is also important that women who are planning a night out book taxis in advance with a reputable company and, where possible, do not go home on your own."
Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
* * *
Drug dealer sent to jail for rape
Date published: 09/02/2009
When the rape took place Alan Kibbler, 24, was on bail for being found with 3.5 grams of heroin and cocaine on his person in Rochdale in January 2007.
Kibbler will spend at least five years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply.
On May 4 last year, Kibbler broke into his victim's house in Oldham while the 26-year old mother of one was sleeping downstairs.
At around 6.30am Kibbler, who was said to be 'crying’, climbed the walls of the house and gained entry through the bathroom window.
He confronted the woman and they went into the kitchen where he kicked the cooker.
But the pair then went into the bedroom where the rape took place.
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, Judge Roger Thomas QC told him: “You’re a very large man and were on top of her. There was some form of violence to her as there were marks on her.
“Her victim impact statement can be summarised by saying that ‘you wrecked her life’. It was violent. It was a sustained assault and I have got to put your case into that type of offending.
“In cases of rape I have to ask ‘do you impose a significant risk of serious harm thereafter?' You do indeed pose that risk.”
Kibbler will now be on the sex offenders’ register for the rest of his life.
Prosecuting, Jonathan Savage said: “The victim said that she didn’t want to have sex. The defendant started to kiss her on the cheek.
“She told him that she didn’t want this to happened but he continued to kiss her.
“He then took off her trousers and lay on top of her.”
Kibbler went on to rape his victim leaving her with several marks on her neck and chest.
In her statement, she said that she could no longer sleep in the bed where the rape took place and that she now had a sleeping problem. She also said that she now seldom went out socially.
At the time of the rape Kibbler was on bail for being found with 3.5 grams of heroin and cocaine on his person in Rochdale in January, 2007.
His then house on Hereford Street, Rochdale was searched and more drugs and scales were found.
Kibbler also breached a suspended sentence imposed last April last year for cruelty to children.
Men jailed for brutal rape
Date published: 06/02/2009
Two men have been jailed for five years each after repeatedly raping a 17-year old girl in Rochdale last July.
Asylum seekers Mohammed Ali, who was believed to be 25 at the time of the incident but in court this week claimed that he was 18, and Alik Madi, who also claimed to be 18, were sentenced at Bolton Crown Court. Both men lived at the same house in Rathbone Street, Newbold.
The victim had been walking close to the Lidl supermarket on Spotland Road in the early hours of Saturday 5 July when the two men dragged her into some bushes and raped her several times.
The court heard how the girl had appealed to passers-by to call the police following the incident but her cries fell on deaf ears as a teenager on a bike, a man walking his dog and an employee at a petrol station on Whitworth Road all refused to help her.
The victim was walking home from a house party when the offenders followed her towards the Dunelm store at Townhead where they sexually assaulted her. The teenager managed to run away towards Spotland Road but the men caught up with her at Lidl and took turns to rape her.
* * *
Smallbridge man gets 22 years for child abuse
Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 05/02/2009
A Smallbridge man who was found guilty of 10 counts of child rape, seven of indecent assault, one of attempted rape and four counts of sexual activity with a child, has today been sentenced to 22 years in prison, with an extended licence of 10 years.
47-year old Mark Stevens, of Great Howarth, was sentenced alongside three other men for offences against the same six victims, five girls and one boy.
Stevens committed his first offence when he was 16 years old, against a four-year-old girl. The abuse continued for two years until she was six. All of his female victims were aged between four and eight years old when the abuse happened and he also sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy.
When one of his victims was five years old, Stevens started taking the girl to the home of another of the offenders, 51-year old Keith Yates, of Dicken Green in Rochdale. The two men would watch pornographic films together before taking the child into the bedroom with them and forcing her to watch them while they had sex.
Yates was found guilty of gross indecency with a child and has been sentenced to 18 months in prison.
A third offender, 28-year old Jeff Goodby from Darwin, became friends with Stevens five years ago. Stevens would introduce Goodby to some of his victims and he would rape them. The victims were aged between four and 12 years old when the attacks happened.
Goodby has been sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment after being found guilty of four counts of rape of a child under 13 years of age, rape of a child over 13 years of age and indecent assault.
Another of Mark Stevens' associates, 21-year old Tim Stevens, was given an indefinite hospital order. He was found guilty of rape of a child under 16 and two counts of sexual activity with a child.
All four men were ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life and are banned from working with children for life.
Detective Constable Jacky Abbott from Rochdale Child Protection Unit said: "Mark Stevens and his associates carried out horrendous assaults against their victims.
"The children were so young when the assaults happened that they would not even realise what was happening to them or that it was wrong.
"These men obviously pose a danger to children and we are pleased that their convictions will help to keep other children out of harm."
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.
St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
* * *
Five teenagers charged in connection with rape
Date published: 24/12/2008
Five teenagers have appeared in court charged in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Rochdale.
Imtiaz Syed (born 21/04/89) of Ellesmere Street, Freehold, Rochdale, has been charged with rape and sexual assault and Tayyab Hussain (born 26/11/90) of Henry Street, Freehold, Rochdale, was charged with rape.
A 17-year-old has been charged with two offences of rape and one of sexual assault, and a 16-year-old boy is charged was charged with aiding and abetting sexual assault.
Mohammed Usman Raja (born 24/12/88) of Freetrade Street, Freehold, Rochdale, is charged with perverting the course of justice.
The charges relate to allegations a 16-year-old girl was sexually attacked at a house in Boundary Street, Rochdale, on 28 May 2008.
The five defendants appeared before Rochdale Magistrates' Court on Monday 22 December 2008.
* * *
Police hunt suspected Rochdale rapist
Date published: 06/11/2008
Rochdale CID have extended their search to Gravesend as it is believed suspect Jack Herring may have connections in the area.
Police want to speak to Herring, 19, of no fixed address, in connection with the rape of a 16-year old girl in Littleborough on 13 February.
He was arrested in April but went missing between the time he was bailed and the time he was due to return to police on 27 June.
He is described as a white, about 5ft 5in tall with a medium build, short dark hair, and a strong Irish accent.
Anyone who knows of Jack Herring's whereabouts is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8753 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Four arrested after teenage girl repeatedly raped
Date published: 15/07/2008
Detectives investigating the rape of a 17-year-old in Rochdale last week have arrested four people.
Two men aged 17 and 20 were arrested on Friday (11 July) on suspicion of rape. The 17-year-old has been bailed pending further inquiries. The 20-year-old has been released without charge.
The investigation continued over the weekend, and two more teenagers were arrested yesterday (Monday 14 July).
The men, aged 17 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of rape and both remain in police custody for questioning.
The teenage victim was dragged into bushes close to the Lidl supermarket on Spotland Road in the early hours of Saturday 5 July and raped several times.
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Girl raped twice in street attack
Date published: 05/07/2008
A 17-year-old girl was raped twice after being dragged into bushes in Rochdale by three men in what police say was a "horrendous" attack.
The teenager was walking home from a night out when she was attacked in the early hours of the morning near the Lidl supermarket in Spotland Road.
Detectives say she was held down while two of the men sexually assaulted her.
Police are examining CCTV footage from the area as there are no descriptions of the offenders at this stage.
Officers are appealing for anyone with information about the attack, which happened shortly after 2.30am, to contact them.
Det Insp Steve Earnshaw, of Rochdale CID, said: "This was a horrendous attack.
"I'd like to reassure people we're doing all we can to find who's responsible for this serious sexual assault.
"However, it is advisable for women to take precautions for their own safety, such as not walking out by themselves late at night and, if they must do, to stick to busy areas."
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Man indecently approaches three girls in 40 minutes in Heywood
Date published: 05/06/2008
A man indecently assaulted and threatened to rape one girl, and indecently exposed himself to another in a series of incidents in Heywood, Rochdale.
Police believe that the same man approached three girls, aged between 15 and 18, in the space of 40 minutes on Wednesday 4 June 2008, and are urging the public to be vigilant.
The first incident happened on Market Street at around 1.20pm. A man followed a 15-year-old girl, touched her indecently, and threatened to rape her.
The girl managed to run away, past a bus stop outside the Heywood Civic Centre.
Moments later, between 1.30pm and 1.45pm an 18-year-old woman was walking her dog on Queen's Park Road, when a man followed her along Willow Street and onto Starkey Street.
When the woman reached the field next to Prospect Place the man indecently exposed himself and verbally abused her.
A short time later, between 1.45pm and 2.00pm, a 15-year-old girl was walking home from school on Green Lane, by the railway line, when a man stopped her in her path, showing her an indecent image from a mobile phone.
The man then verbally abused the girl, who managed to run away.
The offender is described as male, white, between 25 to 35 years old, around 6ft tall and of a slim build. He has short brown hair that may be greying, a stubble and a large nose. He was wearing blue tracksuit bottoms and a navy blue and white hoped jumper.
Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick said: "Behaviour like this in public in the middle of the day is extremely frightening for the victims and completely unacceptable.
"Given the small timeframe and radius of the incidents reported, we believe that the same man is responsible.
"People at the bus stop on Market Street, by the field at Prospect Place, or by the railway line on Green Lane must have seen something to help us track this man down, and I would appeal to them to contact us immediately.
"I do not want to create any unnecessary fear I would like to ask people to be vigilant."
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 1977 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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