Man jailed for a minimum term of 35 years for 'horrific' murder, rape, and sexual assault of a woman in Ashton

A man has been sentenced to a minimum term of 35 years in prison for murder, rape, and sexual assault of a woman in Ashton.

On Thursday, August 25, 2022, officers were called to a concern for welfare of a woman at a property in Ashton.

Officers attended the scene, and a 26-year-old woman was found dead at the scene.

A 52-year-old man was arrested and remanded into custody.

The victim was later confirmed to be Elizabeth McCann.

Elizabeth’s family are continuing to be support by specialist GMP officers and support services at this difficult time.

Simon Goold (aged 52), of Manchester Road in Ashton, was later charged with murder, rape, and assault by penetration and was further remanded to await trial.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Goold was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to a minimum of 35 years in prison for murder, rape and sexual assault.

Duncan Thorpe, of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with Lizzie’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.

“Lizzie was preyed upon by Simon Goold.

"He befriended her and plied her with drinks.

"He then took her back to his flat where he raped and sexually assaulted her, before strangling her with a ligature, she sadly died as a result of her injuries.

“Goold’s disregard for Lizzie and her welfare is unfathomable.

"He claimed that this was a game gone wrong and the catalogue of injuries that Lizzie sustained were horrific and definitely not consented.

“Goold is an extremely dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, police encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on GMP's website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the 'report' tool.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

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