Rapist Jailed After Knifepoint Attack

A man who raped a woman at knifepoint in her own home has been jailed.

24 year old Landriston Macanda of Bank House Road in Blackley, pleaded guilty to five counts of rape, one count of sexual touching and aggravated burglary at an earlier hearing.

He was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, and must serve a minimum of six years before he is even eligible for parole.

The attack happened at the woman's home on Parkhill Avenue at about 3.30am on Sunday 15 May 2011.

When the woman, 26 at the time, went to bed at 1.30am she switched off the lights downstairs but when she looked through her front window saw a man standing near to her front door smoking a cigarette.

Thinking no more of it, she went to bed.

However, when she awoke at 3.30am she saw the same man - Macanda - standing at the bottom of her bed. Macanda had switched the light on and was wearing one of the woman's towels around his head. He was also holding one of her kitchen knives.

Macanda then repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her.

Afterwards, Macanda asked if he could come back again and then asked for a plastic bag, in which he put the knife and bed sheets into. As soon as he left, the woman raised the alarm and was taken to hospital for treatment. 

A police investigation was launched, and officers seized a glass that Macanda had drunk water out of and cigarette butts he had smoked in the house.

That produced a hit on the DNA database that led officers to Macanda who was subsequently arrested and later charged.

Detective Sergeant Paul Copplestone said: "It would be impossible to put into words what this woman has suffered. Macanda invaded her home, which should be a place of sanctity, and subjected to a prolonged and terrifying ordeal.

"I do not want to comment on what sort of person Macanda is because the facts speak for themselves.

"I think her brave actions should be applauded and I can only hope that as she moves forward with her life, seeing Macanda locked away in a prison cell and knowing her courage helped to do that will give her some comfort.

"I also hope this case strikes a chord with anyone who may be have raped or sexually assaulted. I can completely understand your fears in coming forward but please, if you do speak out, if you do take a stand against these bullies, then Greater Manchester Police will support you every step of the way and we will take these criminals off the streets."