Man jailed for repeatedly raping a drunk tourist

Manchester, UK: A sex beast who befriended a drunk tourist before raping her twice in an alleyway has been jailed for 12 years.

Stephen Johnson, 29, was found guilty of carrying out the horrific attack on a 20-year-old victim while she was visiting Manchester.

A court heard how Johnson approached the woman as she stopped to on a bench in Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre and asked for a cigarette.

As they sat and talked, Johnson realised the woman was drunk and took advantage of her vulnerability to lead her away.

He touched her inappropriately then pulled her into an alleyway, pushed her to the floor and raped her, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Johnson hid when a car passed, but then followed the woman and raped her again.

Despite her feeling faint, he continued to assault her, until she finally managed to escape and run to where two refuse collectors were working nearby.

They called the police and Johnson was arrested over the attack which took place on June 12, 2013.

He denied the offence and put the victim through a further ordeal by giving evidence at a trial.

A jury convicted Johnson of rape and sexual assault and jailed for 12 years yesterday.

Detective Constable Emma Cyprien, of GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: "Johnson could clearly see the victim was in no state to consent to any sexual activity and is a reflection of his character that he took advantage of her, raped and sexually assaulted her.

"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."

Johnson was also given a sex offender prevention order and has been ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.