32 year old James Paterson of Cheadle was found guilty at Bolton Crown Court of two counts of sexual assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault involving three different victims in March 2024, and was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison.
The court heard that the time the offences were committed both Paterson and the women were colleagues, working at company based in Didsbury, South Manchester.
The company would reward employees by organising social events after work hours. Back in June 2019, a night out came out of one of the events which meant meeting up in the City Centre. When going back to a flat to continue to celebrate before sleeping, one of the victims woke up to being to be penetrated without consent and then later being touched inappropriately despite turning down the advances on each occasion.
Telling a friend and colleague later that day it was reported to her workplace.
A few months later in September 2019, another event was organised in Didsbury where Paterson offered to drop another woman off home afterwards. After going in a short time later further advances were made which were abruptly rejected. Waking up later that morning to Paterson crouched down beside her bedside before seeing him on top of her, again sexually penetrating without consent.
Once safe, she later reported the concerns to her workplace. This was subsequently passed onto our officers some time later and in June 2020 following an investigation Paterson was arrested denying the claims outright.
In July 2020, a social gathering was taking place in Wilmslow and when it came to an end they went to sleep in separate rooms. Waking up to being touch inappropriately under her clothes, she ran downstairs to tell a friend in horror. Upon being confronted he left. Once they knew he was under investigation a further report was made to our officers to help with enquiries and ensure safeguarding as well as further prompt action.
He was later found guilty of the offences in court and sentenced.
Detective Inspector Kelly from our City of Manchester South district said, “Firstly I would like to commend the bravery, courage, and resilience of the victims on coming forward and being able to help support a successful prosecution. Hopefully, the result brings them some comfort that we have managed to put Paterson behind bars for his despicable actions and prevents any further women becoming victims in the immediate future.
“On each occasion he took it upon himself to sexually assault the women who never consented to anything sexual. It comes as a reminder to everyone to respect personal boundaries and to anyone out there who may have witnessed, been a victim of, or know about such upsetting and terrible experiences, that as a force and officers we are here to listen to you and committed on providing the necessary support to help bring you justice.
“No one should ever feel alone in such circumstances and in making contact with us you are doing the right thing.”
Patterson must service two-thirds of this before being considered for release.
In addition, he received an extra three years on licence and has been placed on the sex offender’s register for life, with lifetime restraining orders in place for the victims.
