Radcliffe: Woman thought she was going to die' as she was being raped

Joseph Yuen was charged with four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in Radcliffe.

At a trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court in June this year, the 30-year-old was found guilty by a jury of two counts of rape and cleared of the other three charges.

On Thursday, prosecutor Emma Clarke described the horrific incidents and the long-lasting effects that the offences have had on the victim.

Ms Clarke read a victim impact statement from the woman which said she “started to experience flashbacks and nightmares” and “felt stuck in survival mode” while waiting for the trial to begin, more than four years on from the crimes.

The court heard that on one occasion she “believed she was going to die” and her doctor told her she has been left with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Defending, Mark Pritchard mentioned the impact that the length of the trial was having on Yuen, but Judge Tina Landale intervened and said she was “against” this point as his client had pleaded not guilty against the charges.

The court also heard Yuen, of Bournville Drive, Bury, was of good character with no previous convictions, he had good references, showing he is “well thought of”, and he would be going to prison for the first time in his life.

But Judge Landale told him that the victim has had to live with the consequences of his actions and the severe psychological harm it has caused her, which is ongoing.

She added: “It has affected almost every aspect of her life”.

Judge Landale sentenced Yuen, who had been subjected to a curfew order, to 10 years in prison, which he will serve two thirds of in custody.

Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court (Image: Public)

Following the sentencing, Greater Manchester Police DC Leacy said: “Firstly I would like to thank the victim for coming forward and reporting these incidents to the police.

"This was a difficult investigation and as a force, we commend every victim for their bravery and strength in doing the difficult thing of reporting it in the first place.

“The victim found the courage to come forward in 2021, and Yuen was arrested not long after.

"Yuen denied all the offences put to him and accepted making apologetic texts, but stated these were not actual admissions of guilt.

“This sentencing should provide the victim with some closure that Yuen is behind bars.”

Greater Manchester Police has released the following information to support victims:

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.

Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.