Man guilty of raping sleeping woman

David Holt

A rapist from Heywood was jailed for eight-and-a-half years today (Friday 12 November) and told he must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

David Holt, 52, of Whalley Road, Heywood, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing before Bolton Crown Court to four charges of rape.

Holt abused his victim between January - June 2009. He raped the 46-year-old woman in her sleep, and used his mobile phone to take pictures of his sick acts.

Detective Constable Ben Harris, of Rochdale CID, said: "This was a traumatic experience for Holt's victim and she has been left extremely distressed by his actions.

"I know she found it difficult to come forward.

"Greater Manchester Police will always investigate cases of sexual abuse and provide support to victims no matter how long ago the offences happened.

"As far as Holt in concerned, he probably thought he had got away with his offending.

"He continued his life, thinking he would go unpunished, while all along his victim was suffering."

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This 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.