JOSHUA ETCHELLS AND HIS SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON WOMEN IN MANCHESTER AND SALE
Joshua Etchells, born on May 26, 2001, and residing on Lowton Road in Sale, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to committing 20 separate counts of sexual assault by touching.In addition to his incarceration, he will be required to sign the sex offenders register for a period of ten years following his release from prison.
The series of charges against Etchells stem from a disturbing pattern of sexual misconduct that took place over a seven-day period starting on March 1, 2021, and ending on March 7, 2021.
The incidents occurred along popular outdoor recreational routes including canal towpaths along the Bridgewater Canal, the River Mersey, and sections of the Trans Pennine Trail in and around Manchester, Sale, and nearby areas.
During this period, Etchells sexually assaulted a total of 19 women as well as a teenage girl.
The assaults happened across different locations along these routes, with nine women targeted on just a single day—highlighting the repeated nature of his predatory behavior.
His pattern of attack was consistent: he would approach women either walking or jogging alone, often on their own along the towpath, by cycling behind them on a bicycle.
Once close enough, he would either grab or slap their bottoms before swiftly fleeing on his bike.
In some instances, Etchells approached victims head-on before cycling past them Then, unexpectedly, he would turn around and cycle back from behind, during which he would carry out the sexual assault.
One particularly alarming incident involved a victim along the Trans Pennine Trail who, along with a family member, decided to drive around the local area in an attempt to find and catch the perpetrator.
During their search, they spotted a male figure they believed to be Etchells.
The victim, recognizing him, shouted from the car window to alert him.
Despite her shouting, she was unable to directly confront him, but she managed to take photographs of the individual, which she then handed over to the police.
These public efforts played a significant role in identifying the suspect.
The police took swift action following these reports.
On Saturday, March 13, plainclothes officers in an unmarked vehicle were patrolling in Sale when they spotted a man on his bicycle fitting the description of the suspect.
Upon recognizing him as the individual wanted in connection with multiple sexual assaults, officers immediately arrested Etchells.
During the arrest, authorities also seized the bicycle he was riding, which matched the description of the vehicle reported by eyewitnesses.
Following his arrest, Etchells was brought in for questioning, during which he was formally charged with the offences.
The investigation was led by Detective Inspector Helen Bagnall from GMP’s Trafford district.
She expressed her gratitude to the women who had come forward with their reports, emphasizing that their willingness to cooperate was essential in securing the conviction.
Inspector Bagnall remarked, “Reporting such incidents is never easy, but thanks to their support and detailed descriptions of Etchells, we have been able to achieve justice today.” She went on to condemn Etchells’ actions, calling his behavior “nothing short of deplorable.” Inspector Bagnall also highlighted that Etchells believed he could evade justice and escape consequences, but the police’s prompt response and thorough investigation proved otherwise.
She stated, “I am glad we were able to place him behind bars where he will have ample time to reflect on his actions.” Concluding her statement, the detective inspector reinforced the police force’s commitment to protecting the community and ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are brought to justice.
She said, “This case serves as a reminder that GMP will do everything in its power to identify and apprehend individuals involved in such disgusting behavior.
No woman should ever feel unsafe walking the streets, and today’s conviction removes another dangerous individual from our community.”
