DAVID GREGORY FROM HYDE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL STREET KIDNAPPING AND RAPE IN MANCHESTER

In a chilling series of events that have shocked the community, David Gregory, aged 46 and known to reside in Hyde, has been sentenced to life imprisonment following a violent attack in Fallowfield, Manchester. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of June 4, last year, involved Gregory forcibly kidnapping a woman at knifepoint, an act that has left the victim traumatized and the local community deeply unsettled.

According to court reports, Gregory approached the woman as she was returning home after a night out. He then threatened her with a knife, demanding she get into his vehicle. The woman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, managed to escape once Gregory left the driver’s side of his car. However, he quickly pursued her, forcing her back into his black Audi A3. During this second kidnapping, Gregory handcuffed her inside the vehicle, but the cuffs broke, providing her with an opportunity to seize his knife from the dashboard and flee the scene.

The victim described the terrifying ordeal in a statement, recounting how Gregory’s intense stare and the presence of a knife made the situation feel like something out of a movie. She expressed her fear and confusion, questioning what Gregory’s intentions might have been, speculating about possible rape or even murder. Her account highlights the severity of the attack and the danger she faced.

Gregory’s criminal history is extensive. He was previously convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl at knifepoint in Hyde in August 2004, a crime for which he received a 14-year sentence. During that attack, he wore a balaclava and threatened the victim’s life, forcing her to a local playing field where the assault occurred. The judge at the time, Judge Andrew Lowcock, described the attack as vicious, brutal, and calculated, emphasizing the terror inflicted upon the young girl.

Following his release from prison, Gregory’s behavior raised further concerns. Evidence indicated that he was engaging in disturbing activities, including filming women as potential targets for sexual assault, researching directions to Manchester’s student districts, and maintaining contact with sex offender friends while incarcerated. These actions suggested a continued pattern of predatory behavior.

On the day of the latest attack, Gregory was also found to have been surfing the internet for pornography depicting rape, further illustrating his dangerous tendencies. He was arrested hours after the incident near his home in Hyde. During the investigation, authorities uncovered that Gregory had a ‘rape kit’ in his vehicle, containing duct tape, zip-ties, and various drugs intended to incapacitate victims.

Gregory pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including kidnapping, kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence, threatening with a bladed article, and theft of the woman’s bag. His trial was scheduled to commence when he admitted guilt. The court sentenced him to a minimum of nine years in prison, but Judge Tony Cross QC made it clear that Gregory’s dangerousness meant early release was highly unlikely. The judge emphasized that Gregory’s continued sexual activity and predatory behavior posed a significant threat to women, and he believed Gregory was still plotting to offend again.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Cross stated, “One thing is certainly sure, whilst you were in jail, the women of Manchester were safe. Your latest offence was carried out without any attempt to hide your identity. I have formed the view that had the victim not made good her escape, she could have been seriously injured, if not killed. By any measure, you are a very dangerous man.”

Gregory’s criminal record also includes a conviction from December 2005, when he was jailed for 14 years for raping a 16-year-old girl in Hyde. During that attack, he wore a mask and threatened her with a knife, forcing her to a local playing field where he committed the assault. The court described his actions as vicious and brutal, and he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

The community and authorities continue to grapple with the implications of Gregory’s actions, and his case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by repeat offenders with a history of sexual violence.