Knifepoint rapist who preyed on sex workers jailed

A "dangerous sexual predator" with "an intense hatred for women" targeted four sex workers in one night and attacked them at knifepoint after luring them to secluded parts of Manchester city centre, a court has heard.

Stuart Thomson raped three lone women near Mancunian Way in the early hours of 31 January 2024 and attempted to rape a fourth woman, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The 34-year-old, from Stockport, has also been convicted at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of sexual assault, three counts of making threats with a bladed article, and possessing such a weapon.

Judge Hilary Manley jailed Thomson for life and ordered him to serve a minimum of 18 years.

The judge said Thomson singled out the women because he wrongly thought they would not report what had happened to them and, even if they did, they would not be believed.

The court heard that one of the victims called police in the early hours of 31 January to say she had been raped at knifepoint.

Three other women later came forward to say they had also been attacked.

Det Sgt Jennifer Savazzi said all of the offences had taken place within a five-hour period.

The GMP detective said the women, who were all sex workers, had all been approached by Thomson and asked for business.

He then took them to secluded locations before pulling a knife on them and demanding sex, said Det Sgt Savazzi.

A woollen hat, which Thomson was seen wearing in CCTV footage, was left at the scene of one of the attacks.

Forensic tests were carried out before police found Thomson at a hostel and arrested him.

When interviewed, he answered "no comment" and came across as "quite arrogant, almost like he didn't think there was anything to worry about," said Det Sgt Savazzi.

She said she had "no doubt" other women had been attacked by Thomson, and appealed for them to come forward.

Thomson attacked the women in a "violent and callous way with no consideration for the damage he was doing to them", she said.

Claire Simister, an investigator on the case who worked with the women, said initially it was "very, very difficult" for them to put their trust in the police.

But she said a relationship was established, in part thanks to the help of agencies like sex worker support charity MASH.

Ms Simister said: "All four [women] were afraid to attend court as they were scared... they would be prejudged for what they did."

She praised them all for being "exceptional when giving evidence in that court".

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