JACK KELLY FROM STOCKPORT CAUGHT AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT NEAR UNIVERSITY IN MANCHESTER

In August 2016, a disturbing incident unfolded in the city of Manchester, involving a soldier from Stockport named Jack Kelly, aged 23, who committed a heinous sexual assault and stalking of a young woman. Kelly, who was on leave from the army and was scheduled to be deployed to Ukraine, targeted a 19-year-old student walking home through the university district in the early hours of the morning.

The victim was making her way home around 5am when she first sensed that she was being followed. As she continued along her route, she became increasingly aware of a man behind her. Suddenly, Kelly launched a brutal attack from behind, grabbing her and covering her mouth with his hands in an attempt to silence her. Despite her efforts to fight back, Kelly managed to bring her to the ground, where he punched her in the back of the head multiple times. His assault escalated as he slammed her head into the pavement five times, then proceeded to choke her and sexually assault her.

The young woman’s screams, which she described as “the worst scream she had ever heard,” attracted the attention of nearby witnesses. Her cries for help prompted a student from the residence halls to rush to her aid, fearing that she was about to be raped. The student’s intervention was crucial in alerting others to the attack.

Meanwhile, a cyclist passing through the area saw Kelly, who was wearing a hooded, masked top, fleeing from the scene. The cyclist attempted to pursue Kelly, who was trying to adjust his trousers, but ultimately lost him in the city streets. David Temkin, the prosecutor, explained during the Manchester Crown Court sentencing hearing that Kelly removed his distinctive red hooded top in an effort to avoid identification. However, police were able to piece together CCTV footage from various locations across Manchester, which eventually led to his identification.

Kelly’s friends recognized him from the images released to the media, prompting him to surrender himself to the authorities. Prior to his arrest, Kelly denied involvement in the attack during two separate police interviews. It was only after further investigation that he admitted responsibility, explaining that he targeted the victim because she reminded him of his ex-girlfriend, who had recently left him. Kelly reportedly expressed that he intended to “take her out” because she reminded him of a woman who “wound him up,” adding that he believed it should have been a man, not a woman, but that women’s arrogance provoked him.

The attack took place near Oxford Road, on the southern outskirts of Manchester’s city centre, just yards from the main university buildings. The incident occurred on the morning of December 15, 2016. Kelly later pleaded guilty to sexual assault and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Following his conviction, Kelly, of Merton Avenue, Hazel Grove, was sentenced by a judge at Manchester Crown Court. The court described his attitude towards women as “disturbing,” emphasizing that he posed a significant danger to the public. Kelly’s criminal record includes previous violence and harassment towards former girlfriends, which further underscored the seriousness of his actions.

He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. Additionally, he received a four-year extended license, meaning that even after his release, he remains at risk of being recalled to prison until 2025, should he breach the terms of his license or pose a threat again.