Man jailed for 12 years for Manchester tourist rape

A man has been jailed for 12 years after raping a tourist twice in Manchester city centre.

Stephen Johnson was convicted of attacking the 20-year-old female tourist in June 2013.

Johnson, 29, was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life following his trial at Manchester Crown Court, reports the BBC.

According to police, Johnson approached his victim when she was walking in Piccadilly Gardens and asked her for a cigarette.

The woman sat down and chatted with him before attempting to leave. Realising she was drunk, Johnson started to touch the woman inappropriately and then dragged her into an alleyway and pushed her to the floor, reports the Mirror.

He raped her and then hid when a car passed before raping her again.

She eventually managed to escape and ran to where two refuse collectors were working.

They contacted police and Johnson was arrested at the scene.

He denied the offence and put the victim through a further ordeal of a trial.

Det Con Emma Cyprien from Greater Manchester Police said: "Johnson could clearly see the victim was in no state to consent to any sexual activity and it is a reflection of his character that he took advantage of her, raped and sexually assaulted her."

She praised the victim for "standing up to Johnson" in court.

"She has had relive her ordeal in court and I must credit her for standing up to Johnson and helping ensure justice has been done.

"I would like to commend the two refuse collectors for assisting the victim and alerting the police.

"Their action meant that Johnson was identified and prevented the victim from sustaining further attack," she added.

Related stories

British female tourists in Ibiza warned they are 'rape targets'

Convicted sex offender given job at Manchester Airport