Middleton man jailed for multiple sexual offences against women

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Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court

A 45-year-old man from Middleton has been sentenced to 24 years in prison plus a four year extended licence period for violent and sexual offences against five women spanning over 25 years.

Andrew Ellison was convicted of 28 offences after a five-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court earlier this year, including six offences of rape against three different women.

Ellison’s offending came to light when one woman reported offences against him which led to other survivors coming forward.

After officers conducted initial enquiries, it was established that the first woman had been involved in a domestically abusive relationship with the suspect and had been the victim between 2017 and 2022.

Following his arrest, enquiries were made into the suspects domestic history which unearthed a further four women who had been domestically abuse dating back to 1995.

One of the women said in her victim impact statement: “I'm still hyper vigilant just walking down the street. It's that constant fear of not knowing what's coming.”

The second woman said: “I still need medication for my mental health.” The third woman said: “I wake most nights with night terrors and struggle to sleep.”

Ellison denied all the offences but was found guilty following a lengthy trial in January and February this year.

Kirsty Walls, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Unit said: “Ellison is a prolific sex offender and a danger to women.

“He sought sexual gratification from having power and control over his victims and he hasn’t displayed any remorse for what he has put them through.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the jury including, eyewitness testimony, video and audio recordings, phone messages, medical evidence from hospital records and images of injuries. The jury found him guilty of 28 out of the 29 counts he faced.

“The women who bravely reported the offences should be commended. I hope they can move forward knowing Ellison has been punished for his actions.”