Man raped woman as she slept after New Year's Eve night out

A woken woke up to find a man raping her after a New Year's Eve night out. Matthew Grant Wilkinson, who goes by the name of Grant, attacked the victim in Leyland in the early hours of January 1.

Wilkinson, 29, of Grasmere Grove, Whittle-le-Woods, was arrested later the same morning and subsequently charged with rape after being questioned by police.

Wilkinson pleaded guilty at a pre-trial hearing to rape of a female aged over 16 and sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced to 58 months behind bars on May 5 and given a restraining order. He has been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register.

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DC 3553 Draycott, of the South Rape Investigation Team, said: “Wilkinson committed this offence at a time when he knew the victim was extremely vulnerable and unable to say no.

- 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 male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0808 800 5005.

- Always call 999 in an emergency