CONVICTED MURDERER ADMITS KIDNAPPING GIRL, 15
A man convicted of murder has confessed to kidnapping a 15-year-old girl at knifepoint and committing a sexual assault against her.Paul Sharpe subjected his young victim to a lengthy ordeal, which involved tying her wrists and ankles, abusing her, and performing a sexual act on himself, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The incident occurred in May and only concluded when police arrived and detained Sharpe approximately eight hours later.
The 56-year-old, who resides in Stockport, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court to six charges, including kidnapping, sexual assault, and threats with a blade.
His sentencing is scheduled for September 4 at the same court.
The crimes began around 19:30 BST on 18 May when Sharpe put the girl into a headlock and forced her into his vehicle in Altrincham.
He claimed that a relative owed him money and drove to an airport car park before restraining her wrists and ankles.
Sharpe moved her through various car parks, coerced her to drink alcohol, and committed a sexual assault.
After a thorough investigation involving CCTV footage following reports of her disappearance, police identified Sharpe's car.
He was arrested early the next day in a hotel car park in Knutsford, Cheshire.
During police interviews, Sharpe said he felt unwell and believed kidnapping the girl was easier than abducting an adult.
He stated he was not thinking properly and intended to release her when it was daylight, after which he planned to take his own life.
Sharpe also claimed his actions were not motivated by sexual desire.
Hannah Gee, a CPS spokesperson, stated, 'This terrifying case saw the victim held for eight hours while Sharpe forced her to drink and sexually assaulted her.
He showed no regard for the harm his actions caused her.
His guilty plea has avoided the need for a trial, and I thank the girl and her family for their support in bringing this case against a dangerous offender.'