RACHEL RUSHWORTH STRANGLED TWO YOUNG GIRLS IN WYTHENSHAWE AND WAS JAILLED AFTER COURT OF APPEAL OVERRULED SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wythenshawe, Rachel Rushworth, aged 28, was subjected to a significant legal reversal after her initial sentencing for child cruelty was deemed insufficient by higher courts. Rushworth, who resides on Benchill Road in Wythenshawe, was originally sentenced at Manchester Crown Court in May to two years’ imprisonment, but this sentence was suspended for two years following her guilty plea to two counts of child cruelty.

Her crimes involved the brutal act of strangling two young girls, both under the age of ten, to the point of losing consciousness. The severity of her actions was brought to light during the court proceedings, with evidence indicating that Rushworth physically and verbally assaulted her victims, inflicting trauma that would have lasting effects. The court was told that the young children were subjected to strangulation that rendered them unconscious, a horrifying detail that underscored the gravity of her offenses.

Following a referral by the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case and found that the original sentence did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed. The appellate court, comprising Lady Justice Sharp, Mr Justice Spencer, and Judge Neil Bidder QC, unanimously decided to overturn the suspended sentence and impose a custodial term of 40 months in prison. The high court judge who initially sentenced Rushworth had described her life as dysfunctional, citing issues such as a drug problem, which may have contributed to her behavior. However, the Court of Appeal emphasized that such circumstances did not mitigate the severity of her actions.

After the ruling, the Solicitor General expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating, “Sentencing cases is not a straightforward process, but my view was that a suspended sentence for these offences was unduly lenient. I am glad the Court has imposed an immediate custodial sentence – it’s appropriate that Rushworth serve this sentence in prison.”

During the hearing, the court was informed that Rushworth had ‘assaulted and abused’ her victims both physically and verbally, with the act of strangulation being particularly traumatic. The judge highlighted that the impact on the young girls was profound, emphasizing the seriousness of the case. The defense for Rushworth, represented by David Temkin, argued that the original judge had been lenient and showed compassion, but the Court of Appeal disagreed, asserting that the sentence was still too soft.

Lady Justice Sharp explicitly stated that allowing Rushworth to remain free did not reflect the gravity of her crimes, describing the original sentence as “unduly lenient.” The case has drawn widespread attention, raising questions about the adequacy of sentencing in cases involving severe child abuse and the importance of ensuring justice is fully served for vulnerable victims.