Mitchell Gleave: man raped unconscious woman after asking to use the phone at her Manchester home

A Manchester man has been jailed for a ‘sustained’ attack on a woman in her home.

Mitchell Gleave, 27, knocked on the woman’s door in Wythenshawe and asked to use her phone. The woman knew him as an acquaintance and agreed to let him in. He left but returned towce and asked to use her phone again, and started to behave aggressively so she said no. However, Gleave forced his way in the door, and put his hand round the woman’s neck til she passed out.

When she woke up, Gleave sat on top of her, demanded money and throttled her til she passed out again. She tried to shout out for help but the thug threatened to kill her before he left. The terrified woman was able to leave her home to summon help but realised she had been sexually assaulted while out cold.

Gleave was later arrested and charged with rape, attempts to choke, making threats to kill, assault and robbery, in relation to the offences in February 2019. He has now been jailed for 15 years at Manchester Crown Court.

DC Katie Parlatt of Greater Manchester Police, said: “This was a horrifying and sustained attack on an innocent woman in her own home. Gleave is clearly a dangerous man and I am relieved that he has now been brought to justice and will be in prison for the foreseeable future.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the victim for her immense bravery in assisting us with our investigation. It must have been harrowing to have to recall that terrifying day but I hope todays verdict can serve as some closure for her.”

• 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 [email protected]