A RAPE victim has been praised for her bravery and courage after her attacker was jailed for seven years.
Andre Reid was handed a prison sentence at Manchester Crown Court on Friday, December 5.
A restraining order was also issued prohibiting contact with the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, after she bravely detailed the impact of the 26-year-old’s actions in June 2018.
She said: “I’ve chosen to stand here and read this to you myself. Because for the last seven years, my voice has been taken from me.
“For seven years, I have carried the weight of what you did in silence.
“You need to hear the impact of your choices in my own words, in my own voice.
“Because I am the person you hurt and I need you to hear it from me to face the pain you caused, the fear you left behind, and the way my life changed because of you.
“You need to understand that no matter what you took from me that night, you cannot take my ability to stand here and speak my truth to you.
“I can finally say this – I survived you, Andre. I am free from your control, free from your lies, free from the shame that never belonged to me.
“I can finally start to live again and that’s something you will never be able to take away from me ever again.”
As Reid, of Woodside Street, was locked up, officers from Greater Manchester Police praised his victim’s bravery.
Detective Sergeant John Dineen, of the force’s Rochdale district, said: “This was a devastating assault on a victim which occurred when she was at her most vulnerable – asleep in a bed.
“She showed immense bravery to report Reid’s offending and to continue through the trial process.
“To stand up in court and face him despite everything she has been through should be commended and I hope the sentence he has received will be of some comfort to her to give her some closure to this devastating ordeal.
“Detectives conducted a full and thorough investigation to establish the facts of the case with several witnesses spoken to, as well as the woman continuing to be supported throughout the case.
“We want this to be a message to everyone that if you are a victim please come forward and report offenders to us.
“We will support you with care and consideration to ensure it is thoroughly investigated and perpetrators can be brought to justice.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk.
Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Remember – if in doubt, report it
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, Greater Manchester Police encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to them, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
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 0161 236 2182.