IVAN MANNING FROM COVENTRY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON VULNERABLE WOMAN

A 73-year-old man from Coventry, identified as Ivan Manning and residing on Abbey Road, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman who was particularly vulnerable at the time of the incident. The case unfolded after Manning approached the woman under the guise of being a helpful stranger, which ultimately led to a disturbing encounter that has now resulted in his conviction.

According to court records, Manning targeted a 35-year-old woman who was struggling with a chronic alcohol problem and had been drinking continuously for over ten days. The woman, seeking assistance, went to Warwick Hospital but was refused entry. It was during this period that Manning offered her a ride home while she was standing outside the hospital premises, smoking. Believing that he was genuinely trying to help her, she accepted his offer. However, the situation took a sinister turn once they arrived at her residence.

Upon reaching her home, Manning followed her upstairs. The woman, whose memory of the events is incomplete, recalls ending up on her bed in a state of undress. Manning then proceeded to kiss her face and body, repeatedly telling her she was beautiful. The incident was interrupted when a health worker arrived at the scene and found the woman naked on her bed with Manning present in the room. When questioned about his identity, Manning was evasive, claiming his name was 'Jack.'

Police were called to the scene, and Manning was promptly arrested. During questioning, he admitted to giving the woman a lift but denied any sexual misconduct, insisting that his intentions were solely to help her. Despite his denial, Manning pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to the charge of sexual assault.

The court sentenced Manning to ten months in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. The presiding judge, Richard Griffith-Jones, described Manning’s actions as 'wicked,' emphasizing the severity of the offense. While acknowledging Manning’s good character and noting that he had no prior convictions, the judge highlighted that the crime was committed at a time when the victim was especially vulnerable and in need of protection.

Further context was provided during the trial, revealing that Manning was a carer for his wife, who suffers from severe diabetes. This detail was considered when assessing his character, yet it did not mitigate the seriousness of his actions. The judge concluded that Manning exploited the woman’s trust for his own sexual gratification, causing her significant emotional distress. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable for their actions.