MICHAEL BURKE FROM ROCHDALE CONVICTED OF EIGHT RAPE OFFENSES AGAINST THREE VICTIMS IN MANCHESTER COURT

In December 2016, a harrowing case unfolded at Manchester Crown Court involving Michael Burke, a 38-year-old man from Rochdale, who was found guilty of committing a series of heinous sexual offenses spanning nearly two decades. The court heard that Burke was responsible for eight separate rapes involving three different victims, with the crimes dating back to the early 1990s and extending until 2010.

As the verdict was read, Burke, who is notably the older brother of television personality and former Labour councillor Karen Danczuk, experienced a severe physical reaction. He collapsed in the dock and had to be assisted by security personnel after the jury returned their guilty verdicts at the conclusion of a three-week trial. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse, with Burke accused of 15 rapes, one attempted rape, and one indecent assault against three females over an 18-year period.

The prosecution, led by Peter Wright QC, detailed the horrific nature of Burke’s crimes. The first two victims, both pre-teen girls at the time, endured repeated sexual assaults when they were between nine and eleven years old. Burke, then aged between 14 and 16, was accused of abusing them multiple times. The third victim, an older woman, was raped between 2008 and 2010, during which time Burke was reportedly watching a significant amount of pornography, which the court suggested may have influenced his actions.

Mr. Wright emphasized that Burke, despite possessing many positive qualities, had a significant flaw—his abuse of these women for his own sexual gratification. He described how the first victim was subjected to repeated rapes, with Burke exploiting her vulnerability during her early adolescence. The second victim, who was only 12 when the abuse began, was described as emotionally immature and subjected to controlling and violent behavior by Burke. The court heard that Burke exploited her immaturity, often ignoring her protests, and would sometimes intoxicate her with alcohol, making her feel powerless and ashamed.

Regarding the third victim, the court noted that she was of a similar age to Burke and was raped three times over a two-year period. During this time, Burke was observed to have watched a great deal of pornography, which the court suggested may have played a role in his offending behavior. The victims, who initially remained silent out of fear and shame, eventually found the courage to come forward and report their experiences.

Throughout the trial, Burke maintained his innocence, claiming that he was the victim of a conspiracy orchestrated by the three complainants. He insisted that the allegations were fabricated and declared his intention to prove his innocence. Burke stated, “They are trying to bolster their stories, which is why I am sat here now. No one who knows me would recognise that person.”

Following the guilty verdicts, Burke was visibly distressed and had to be supported from the dock. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Gilbart, addressed him directly, warning that a custodial sentence was inevitable given the seriousness of the offenses. The case has left a lasting impact on the victims and the community, highlighting the importance of justice and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from such predatory behavior.