JOSEPH HOWELL FROM LITTLE HULTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that unfolded in Manchester, Joseph Howell, a 30-year-old man from Little Hulton, was convicted and sentenced for a serious sexual assault that took place in his victim's own home. The incident occurred on the night of February 6, 2018, and the repercussions of this crime have left a lasting impact on the survivor's life.

According to court proceedings at Manchester Crown Court, Howell was out drinking with friends in Little Hulton when he encountered the victim and her companions. Despite engaging in conversation, there was no indication of flirtation or any mutual interest, as noted by Recorder Paul Reid. The victim and her friend, who was staying over, invited Howell and three of his friends back to her flat. Howell brought along a crate of Budweiser, and it was established that he had consumed at least seven to eight pints of cider and had taken three keys of cocaine that evening.

The group continued drinking at the flat, but eventually, the victim, who claimed she had not drunk much, and her friend decided to go to bed. The men were asked to leave once they finished their drinks. The court heard that the noise of the door closing was heard, leading others to believe the group had left. However, Howell chose to stay behind in the flat.

The next memory the victim recalls is waking up around 3:30 a.m. to find someone in bed beside her. She woke up because she was being hurt, and at that moment, she realized she was in a distressing situation. She had her back turned to Howell and did not immediately recognize who was in bed with her. She remembers Howell attempting to have sex with her, but when she moved to resist, he stopped.

Recorder Reid described the victim's account, stating, “When she woke up she froze, still unaware of who was in bed with her. She then tried to wake her friend, who was also in bed.” The victim, who was being sexually assaulted, managed to wake her friend, who confronted Howell. The victim then left the room and went outside to her car, where she sent messages to her friend and others detailing what had happened.

Later that day, around midday, after Howell had left the flat, he sent her a text message attempting to downplay the incident, suggesting that both of them had been drunk and that they had made a “dark mistake.” Howell was arrested later that day. During police interviews, he claimed that everything that transpired was consensual, a statement that was challenged during the trial.

In January of this year, Howell faced a jury where he claimed to have had sex with the victim for only 30 seconds. However, Recorder Reid expressed skepticism about this claim, suspecting Howell's statement was an attempt to persuade the jury that the encounter was consensual. Ultimately, Howell was found guilty of two counts—assault by penetration and attempted rape—by a unanimous verdict.

The victim's impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing the profound and lasting trauma caused by the assault. She described feeling unsafe in her own home, suffering from nightmares, heightened anxiety, and a loss of trust in others. She recounted how the attack has affected her personal life and mental health, leading her to seek medication and avoid social situations. The statement also detailed threats and intimidation from Howell’s friends, which forced her to consider relocating for her safety.

She expressed relief and a sense of justice upon Howell’s conviction, hoping to move forward with her life and find some closure. The victim emphasized her desire to heal and regain happiness, and she reflected on the violation of her safety in her own home, a place where she should have felt secure.

Regarding Howell’s criminal history, it was noted that he had no prior sexual offenses but had been convicted of drink driving in June 2018 while under police investigation. Recorder Reid pointed out that this demonstrated Howell’s ongoing struggle with controlling his alcohol consumption.

Joseph Howell was sentenced to seven years in prison for his crimes. The court’s decision underscores the severity of his actions and the lasting impact on the victim’s life, highlighting the importance of accountability and justice in cases of sexual assault.