Man jailed after attempted rape in Hackney

HE WAS JAILED for attempted rape last month – and now his name has been revealed. The offence took place in Hackney.

Sean Manning, 42, of no fixed abode, was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court of committing attempted rape after dragging his victim down a staircase next to Haggerston Bridge in Hackney. The conviction came at the end of January, after a three day trial. Manning returned to the court on 19th March and was sentenced to 15 years in jail, with an Order that he serve a minimum of ten years.

The offence was committed in the early hours of Monday, 12th August last year, 2019. The previous evening, Sunday, 11th August, Manning and the victim had met in a pub in Hackney. It was after midnight when the woman made to leave. Manning followed her, asking her to accompany him to a place he knew. He became aggressive when she refused.

The woman screamed as Manning dragged her down the staircase and began physically assaulting her, intent on rape.  Her screams were heard by a 14 year old teenager in a nearby house. The teenager came out and challenged Manning, who ran off, and then called the police. Police identified, located and arrested Manning the next Friday, 16th August. He was held in custody until the trial, after which he was returned to jail to serve his stentence.

Detective Constable Mark Papasavva, who led the investigation, said, “Sean Manning targeted a vulnerable lone woman who was simply out enjoying an evening with friends. […] 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.”

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