Man sentenced to six years and nine months for rape

Date published: 22/11/2005

A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to rape.

Vincent Power (DOB: 19/01/78) of Dunstable in Falinge, Rochdale pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday 11 October 2005. He was sentenced at the same court on Monday 21 November 2005.

Power committed the stranger rape in the early hours of Saturday 12 February 2005. His victim was a 17-year-old girl who had enjoyed a night out in Rochdale.

Power followed his victim along Oldham Road at approximately 1.45am. As she approached the junction with Tonge Street he grabbed her from behind and put his hand over her mouth. He threatened to kill her if she made a noise. He then raped her.

Two men and a woman were walking nearby and disturbed Power. He ran off and the two men gave chase. They managed to apprehend Power a short distance away and asked him what he had been doing. Power claimed he had been having a domestic argument with his 'girlfriend' and convinced the two men everything was OK.

The men left Power and returned to the 17-year-old girl who told them what had actually happened.

At 1.40am on Saturday 26 February 2005 one of the men who had apprehended Power recognised him in Carousel Bar on Acker Street in Rochdale. He contacted the police and Power was arrested on suspicion of rape.

Power was charged with rape on Sunday 27 February 2005.

Detective Constable Martyn Cunningham who investigated this incident said: "I am delighted that the right verdict has been reached. It has been a harrowing time for the victim and her parents, who along with all the witnesses have shown great courage and strength in attending court and supporting this prosecution.

"We all hope now that the victim can find a way to put this terrible thing behind her and find some closure as soon as possible."