MICHAEL OWEN AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN MANCHESTER
A disturbing incident involving kidnapping and sexual assault has come to light in the Manchester area, concerning a man named Michael Owen.The events unfolded during the early morning hours of March 13, 2022, when Owen, aged 34, encountered a 16-year-old girl outside a nightclub in Leigh.
According to reports, Owen was walking near a club when he noticed the intoxicated teenager standing alone.
Seizing the opportunity, he approached her under the false pretense of looking out for her safety and offered assistance to help her stand up.
The girl, visibly drunk, was vulnerable in her state, and Owen took it upon himself to accompany her.
Once he had helped her to her feet, Owen arranged for a taxi and instructed the driver to take them to his residence on Bridgewater Street in Hindley.
The girl later recalled that when she awoke at Owen's home, she was in his bed, partially clothed, and desperately crying to be allowed to go home.
Owen told her that he was simply looking after her, which she accepted at the time.
The situation took a darker turn as the girl’s recollections became more fragmented.
She remembered hearing someone banging on Owen’s front door, an event that caused her distress.
The court heard from the victim that her father had obtained Owen’s address from the taxi driver—who had answered a phone call made by the teenager when her father contacted the driver.
Her father then arrived at the residence, reporting the incident to the police.
Meanwhile, Owen had called emergency services to report someone banging on his door.
Simultaneously, the girl’s father was calling the police to report that his daughter was being held against her will.
Officers responded to Owen’s address within minutes.
Upon arrival, they quickly assessed the situation and arrested Owen, who was taken into custody for questioning.
The young girl was subsequently taken to a hospital for medical examination.
During the court proceedings at Manchester Crown Court, Owen pleaded guilty to charges of kidnapping and sexual assault related to this incident.
As a result, he was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison.
The judge declared Owen to be a dangerous offender, imposing an extended license period of four years along with a lifetime restraining order that prohibits any contact with the victim.
Furthermore, Owen was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), the specific conditions of which are to be determined collaboratively by the prosecution, defense, and probation authorities.
Detective Sergeant Chris Preston from Wigan CID expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the seriousness of the case: “We are very pleased with today’s result.
Owen is a dangerous individual who preyed on this young girl for his own use, under the guise of being helpful and looking out for her.
“We are extremely grateful to the victim and her family for their support throughout this investigation, which has led to this conviction.
We strongly encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault to contact police by dialing 999.
We are committed to listening and doing everything possible to bring offenders like Owen to justice.
“Anyone who commits these crimes should know that we will find you and ensure you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Greater Manchester Police continues to remind the public that if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or rape, you should not suffer in silence.
Police and support agencies are available to provide assistance and ensure justice is served.
