Ashton man who threatened to kill woman given life sentence

A man from Ashton Under Lyne's starting a life prison sentence - after threatening to kill a woman and keeping her prisoner

Ryan Schofield of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 13 years at Bolton Crown Cour after pleading guilty to making threats to kill, assault, rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and false imprisonment.

The court heard how Schofield went online and befriended his victim, used controlling behaviour and engaged in horrific physical and sexual abuse.

Schofield was originally arrested for being in breach of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, but officers found evidence on his phone of him abusing his victim.

Between March and October 2022, Schofield subjected his victim to several incidents of controlling and coercive behaviour, assault, rape and false imprisonment.

Detective Constable Chris Doran, of our Tameside Challenger Team, said: "Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case. I cannot begin to imagine her pain and suffering but hope she finds solace in the sentence this monster was handed today.

"Greater Manchester Police take domestic violence and sexual offences very seriously and I would like to highlight this case as an example of this. If you are a victim of domestic or sexual offences you will be heard.

“Today’s sentencing is a testament to our investigation team in providing the good work bringing Schofield to justice."

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