Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 3rd April 2025, at 18:00hrs
Ryan Schofield, 34, of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years at Bolton Crown Court for a series of appalling crimes against a woman he befriended online.
He pleaded guilty to making threats to kill, assault, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and false imprisonment.
The court heard how Schofield subjected his victim to a sustained period of horrific physical and sexual abuse between March and October 2022.
Initially arrested for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, police discovered damning evidence of his abuse on his mobile phone.
Detective Constable Chris Doran, of Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside Challenger Team, praised the victim’s bravery, stating,
“I cannot begin to imagine her pain and suffering but hope she finds solace in the sentence this monster was handed today.”
He emphasized the force’s commitment to tackling domestic violence and sexual offences, urging victims to come forward.
“Greater Manchester Police take domestic violence and sexual offences very seriously and I would like to highlight this case as an example of this.
If you are a victim of domestic or sexual offences you will be heard. Today’s sentencing is testament to our investigation team in providing the good work bringing Schofield to justice,” said Detective Constable Doran.
The case comes as Greater Manchester Police report significant progress in tackling sexual offences.
The number of rape outcomes has more than doubled in the year ending May 2024 compared to the year ending May 2021, rising from 209 to 426.
Additionally, domestic abuse offences have decreased by 13.7% from the year ending May 2023.
The force is encouraging anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual assault to report it. A domestic abuse survivor has highlighted the effectiveness of reporting experiences via the police’s Live Chat service.
Where to Seek Help:
* Greater Manchester Police: Call 101, use the Live Chat function on http://www.gmp.police.uk, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
* Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester: 24-hour support, including forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, and counselling. Call 0161 276 6515.
* Greater Manchester Rape Crisis: Confidential support and counselling for women over 18. Call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.
* We Are Survivors Manchester: Specialist support for male victims of sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Greater Manchester Police urge anyone suffering in silence to reach out and utilize the available support services.
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