The vile sexual predator who 'ignored his victims' pleas for him to stop'

A vile sexual predator 'ignored his victims' please for him to stop' as he raped and sexually assaulted two women. Robert Houghton, from Macclesfield, has now been jailed for more than 12 years.

A court heard how in January 2023, a woman reported that between 2020 and 2022, Houghton had raped and attempted to rape her. He would be sexually aggressive towards her and would force items into her mouth, so she struggled to breath.

Houghton was arrested in relation to the offences but denied the allegations, however was later charged with the attacks.

READ MORE Tributes paid to 'lovely man' and 'beautiful soul', 59, found dead with stab wounds in hotel

Then, in February 2024, another woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by Houghton in Congleton. During the incident, which occurred in 2022, Houghton had touched her without her permission and despite her asking him to stop, he then forced her to touch him, court heard. He was also arrested and charged in connection with the attack.

Houghton, of Moss Lane, Macclesfield, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday (November 5) where he was jailed for 12 years and six months.

The 29-year-old was found guilty of multiple sexual offences, including rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and causing a female to engage in sexual activity without consent. On top of his custodial sentence, he is subject to restraining orders in respect to both victims.

Where to go if you've been affected by rape or sexual assault

- 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

- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.

- Always call 999 in an emergency

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Doug Whitfield said: “I would like to commend the victims in this case for speaking to police about what happened to them. While they will never be able to forget what they have been through, I hope the lengthy sentence handed down to Houghton will give them some sense of closure.

“Houghton is clearly a sexual predator and is now in custody where he cannot subject further woman to this abhorrent behaviour. He showed absolutely no regard for his victims; he knew exactly what he was doing and ignored his victims’ pleas for him to stop.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to encourage anyone who may have also been a victim of sexual assault to please get in touch. We will do all we can to tackle any incident of this nature.”