'Dangerous' man caged for 15 years following 'horrifying' attack

A Manchester man has been jailed for 15 years following a sustained attack on a woman in her home.

Mitchell Gleave (aged 27), of no fixed abode, appeared at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court on Friday (January 20) for sentencing, after being found guilty in March 2022 of the following offences:

1x count of rape

1x count of attempting to choke with intent

1x count of making threats to kill

1x count of assault

1x count of robbery

All offences relate to the same incident which occurred on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the victim's home in the Wythenshawe area.

The court heard how the victim was at home on the Saturday morning in 2019, when Gleave who the victim knew vaguely as an acquaintance, knocked on her door asking to use her mobile phone which she agreed to.

Gleave then left before returning to the victims home twice more asking to use the phone.

On the third occasion, Gleave became aggressive in tone, again asking to use the phone which the victim then declined.

Gleave blocked the victim from closing her front door before proceeding to put his hand around her neck, pushing her back into the house.

The victim recalled waking up on her living room floor, realising that Gleave had squeezed her throat to the point where she had become unconscious.

On regaining consciousness, the victim noticed Gleave using her phone while asking her questions, demanding to know if she had any cash in the house.

Gleave continued to squeeze the victims neck leaving her unable to speak and losing consciousness again, which happened several times.

Gleave put his hand over her mouth to silence any screams while sitting on top of her, punching the victim to the side of her body.

The victim made attempts to shout out of her window for help, before Gleave then threatened to kill her.

He then left the house and the victim ran out shortly after to find help nearby and the police were called.

The victim then suspected that while she had been unconscious Gleave had sexually assaulted her, he was later charged and found guilty of rape.

DC Katie Parlatt, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This was a horrifying and sustained attack on an innocent woman in her own home.

"Gleave is clearly a dangerous man and I am relieved that he has now been brought to justice and will be in prison for the foreseeable future.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the victim for her immense bravery in assisting us with our investigation.

"It must have been harrowing to have to recall that terrifying day but I hope todays verdict can serve as some closure for her.”

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, police officers encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester.

They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages.

Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives.

Call on 0161 273 4500 or email: help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation.

Call 0161 236 2182.

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