Would-Be Canal Rapist Caged

A wannabe rapist was caught and is starting a fifteen-year sentence after a teenage boy heard the early hours screams of his female victim. 

Sean Manning, 42, was convicted of the attempted rape of the woman, aged in her thirties, and was made subject to a minimum ten-year period behind bars.

Wood Green Crown Court Manning attacked the woman on the steps of Haggerston Bridge, by the Regents Canal, Hackney on August 11, last year.

He met the woman in a nearby pub and followed her when she left in the early hours, asking her to come with him.

When she refused, he became aggressive and dragged her down the steps at the side of Haggerston Bridge. 

He then attempted to rape her, physically assaulting her as she struggled to get away.

The victim only managed to escape from Manning after a 14-year-old boy heard her screaming from inside his house.

He came outside and confronted the male before calling police, while Manning fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

He was arrested five days later and remanded in custody until trial.

Detective Constable Mark Papasavva said: “Sean Manning targeted a vulnerable lone woman, who was simply out enjoying an evening with friends.

“He followed her until she was on her own and when she refused to return to his flat, violently attacked her.

“The victim has shown extreme courage and bravery in coming forward in what has clearly been an incredibly stressful and traumatic time for her and I am pleased that Sean Manning has now been convicted.

“I must also praise the bravery of the 14-year-old witness who came forward to assist the victim. 

“His bravery began by bringing this attack to an end and assisted with the conviction of a very dangerous man.

“I hope this case shows how seriously we take these types of offences and encourages other victims of this type of crime to come forward, whatever their circumstances.”