FRANCIS HENSHAW SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN HEYWOOD AND MANCHESTER

In a recent development in the ongoing fight against sexual crimes, Francis Henshaw, a 42-year-old man from Bury New Road, Heywood, has been handed a significant prison sentence following his conviction on multiple serious charges. The sentencing took place at Minshull Street Crown Court, where the court heard detailed accounts of Henshaw's criminal actions that spanned several months and involved vulnerable victims.

Henshaw was found guilty of both rape and sexual assault, crimes that have deeply affected the victims and the local community. The court sentenced him to nine years behind bars, with an additional two years of extended licence, reflecting the gravity of his offences and the need for ongoing supervision after his release.

The court proceedings revealed that the first incident occurred in September 2022, when Henshaw targeted a teenage girl on her way to work in Manchester City Centre. According to court reports, Henshaw approached the young woman and, after pressuring her to accompany him into a back street, proceeded to sexually assault her. The assault was interrupted when a member of the public intervened, effectively preventing further harm and guiding the victim away from the attacker.

Further details emerged about a second incident in December 2022, when Henshaw approached a woman during a night out in Rochdale Town Centre. The court heard that shortly after their encounter, Henshaw sexually assaulted and raped her in a secluded area, adding to the severity of his criminal record. These incidents highlight a pattern of predatory behaviour that has caused significant distress to the victims and alarm within the community.

The court's decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats sexual offences, especially those involving vulnerable individuals. Henshaw's actions have been condemned, and his lengthy imprisonment aims to serve both as punishment and a deterrent to others who might consider similar crimes. The community of Heywood, along with Manchester and Rochdale, can now find some reassurance in the knowledge that justice has been served in this troubling case.