A "dangerous sexual predator" with "an intense hatred for women" targeted four sex workers in one night and attacked them at knifepoint after luring them to secluded parts of Manchester city centre, a court has heard. Stuart Thomson raped three lone women near Mancunian Way in the early hours of 31 January 2024 and attempted to rape a fourth woman, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The 34-year-old, from Stockport, has also been convicted at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of sexual assault, three counts of making threats with a bladed article, and possessing such a weapon. Judge Hilary Manley jailed Thomson for life and ordered him to serve a minimum of 18 years. The judge said Thomson singled out the women because he wrongly thought they would not report what had happened to them and, even if they did, they would not be believed. Det Sgt Jennifer Savazzi said all of the offences had taken place within a five-hour period. She said Thomson attacked the women in a "violent and callous way with no consideration for the damage he was doing to them". She called for other potential victims to come forward as she had "no doubt" that other women had been attacked by him. In an investigation filled with difficulties, the women, who were all sex workers, had all been approached by Thomson and asked for business. After that, he took them to secluded locations before threatening them with a knife and demanding sex. After his arrest, Thomson gave no comment during police interviews and displayed an attitude that suggested he felt he had nothing to worry about, according to Det Sgt Savazzi.