MIDDLETON MAN SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

A man named Darren Roche has been convicted and sentenced for a sexual assault that occurred in Middleton. The incident happened around 10.35pm on Sunday, October 25, 2020, when police received a report that a woman had been assaulted in an alleyway off Grimshaw Lane. Investigations revealed that Roche followed the victim, overtook her, and then approached her asking for directions. As they walked past the entrance to the alleyway, Roche pushed the woman to the ground, covered her mouth with his hand, and sexually assaulted her. Roche then left the scene through the alleyway. Following a police appeal, Roche was identified from the victim's description, leading to his arrest. He was detained for questioning, charged with sexual assault, and subsequently pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. On Thursday, Roche, aged 35 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to three years in prison. An indefinite restraining order was imposed, and Roche was also added to the sex offenders register indefinitely. Detective Constable Melanie Jeffery from GMP Rochdale commented on the case, emphasizing the support for the victim and the police's commitment to justice. The article also references support services available for victims of sexual assault in Greater Manchester, including Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, and Survivors Manchester.