Rapist Jailed For Attacking Teenager in Eccles

A rapist who attacked an 18-year-old woman after offering to walk her home from a friend's house in Eccles has been jailed for 8 years.

On August 16th last year, 21-year-old Jordan Swales got a tram with the teenager to Langworthy Road.

As they walked along grassland near to Blodwell Street, Swales dragged her to the ground, pinning her down.

He threatened to kill her, throttled her and then raped her.

The victim's screams were heard by a man and a woman who were passing by. They then contacted the police.

Detective Constable Jon Weir, from GMP's Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

"The victim had only met Jordan Swales a couple of times, but he seemed genuinely concerned for her welfare and because he was the friend of a friend she accepted his offer to walk her home, trusting that she would be safe."

"It appears that was just a ploy on his behalf to get her alone because as soon as they were in an isolated location he pounced on her and subjected her to a violent and terrifying rape.

"He threatened to kill her and actually throttled her, leaving serious visible injuries to her neck.

"His attack was only cut short when passers-by heard her screams for help and came to her aid.

"I would like to praise the victim for her courage in reporting this very traumatic incident to police, and also giving evidence in court. Without her this dangerous man would not now be in prison where he belongs.

"I must also reserve special praise for all those members of the public that got involved and who did not ignore her pleas. They acted bravely and calmly, met this dangerous situation head-on and between them detained a rapist and comforted the victim.

"Had it not been for their actions the attack could have been prolonged and the offender may have possibly even got away with this heinous offence.

"I hope today’s sentence shows that the police and the courts treat rape extremely seriously. I would urge anyone who has been a victim, whatever the circumstances, to come forward and report it. We will support you."

- If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we 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.

- You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.

- St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.

- Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.