STEPHEN MANLEY AND SHOCKING SEX ATTACK ON FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN MANCHESTER AND DUKINFIELD
A man identified as Stephen Manley has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl in a public restroom.This disturbing case unfolded in Dukinfield, Tameside, within the Greater Manchester area, drawing significant attention from both the community and law enforcement.
Manley, aged 34 and residing on Well Meadow in Hyde, denied any involvement in the crime, yet after a full trial, the jury found him guilty of the sexual assault.
In addition to his prison sentence, he will be subjected to a period of supervised release—specifically, 12 months on license after his release—intended to monitor his adherence to legal and behavioral conditions.
During the proceedings at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court, it was revealed that the young victim, whose age was five years old, had been psychologically impacted by the incident.
Her trauma was evidenced by her current behavior, notably an inability to close toilet doors—a sign of ongoing psychological distress.
The court noted that the girl’s account included specific descriptions of Manley's tattoos and paint stains on his body, which she accurately recalled and described during her testimony.
The court was informed that the assault occurred in Dukinfield, when the young girl was playing in her garden alongside another child.
According to the prosecution, Manley was painting at a nearby house when he entered the toilet, ostensibly to inquire if the girl needed assistance.
It was during this brief interaction that the assault took place, an act that has left a lasting impact on the victim.
Huw Edwards, representing the prosecution, explained that despite the lack of direct physical corroboration, the girl’s detailed descriptions and subsequent complaints provided sufficient evidence of the offence.
The girl reported her experience to a friend and later confided in her mother, which ultimately led to the social services and police investigations.
Judge Jonathan Foster QC presided over the case and commented on the nature of the offence, emphasizing that Manley took advantage of the girl’s presence.
The judge highlighted that the girl’s testimony was compelling despite the absence of other witnesses.
The court acknowledged her distress and the severe psychological effect the attack had inflicted.
In the court’s assessment, Manley was found to have no prior convictions, but his actions warranted strict legal repercussions.
His defense argued that he is a man of good character, happily married for several years, and supported by his family and friends.
They maintained that his conduct was out of character and that he did not accept the circumstances as any part of his usual behavior.
Recognizing the seriousness of the offence and the impact on the young victim, the judge ordered Manley to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period.
Furthermore, he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which imposes comprehensive restrictions and conditions concerning any future contact with children.
The order reflects the court’s commitment to safeguarding children and preventing any recurrence of similar offences.
This case underscores the devastating consequences of sexual assault and highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and strict legal measures within the Greater Manchester area, including Manchester and Dukinfield, to protect vulnerable children from harm.
