An Openshaw man has been jailed for 24 years for 37 offences including rape, sexual assault and administering a noxious substance.
Steven Evans aged 33 of Alton Square also received an indefinite restraining order against all four victims and has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.
The investigation was first launched in December 2022 when officers received reports from a victim that she had found an old mobile device containing multiple indecent and explicit images of Evan’s sexually assaulting her. When the victim located Evan’s phone, she confirmed she had no recollection of these incidents taking place and was either asleep or unconscious.
She also disclosed a catalogue of incidents where she had woken up with intimate body parts hurting. When she confided in Evans, he discouraged her from going to the hospital and laughed at her. The victim also disclosed being raped while conscious by Evans.
Following this, officers located and spoke to another woman who bravely disclosed a similar experience at the hands of Evans. She told officers she was raped, sexually assaulted, and believed she was spiked by Evans.
She told officers Evans would often pressure her for sex, that he was controlling, and coerced her, threatening to harm himself if she ever left. She too discovered similar disturbing, explicit images she couldn’t recall being taken.
A further two victims were also identified as having been spiked by Evans at a house party.
Following Evans arrested on Wednesday 8 March 2023, when all interviews had taken place, a total of 61 photographs and 35 videos that confirmed over 25 separate non-consensual sexual encounters.
In addition, there were several internet searches on Evan’s devices where he searched ‘define sexomnia’, ‘what conditions make you sleep’ and ‘what diseases make you sleep’.
Whilst he denied all the offences, he was subsequently charged and remanded. All four victims have been supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation and trial.
Detective Sergeant Natasha Feerick of GMP’s North Manchester CID said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all four victims for their bravery and their continued support throughout our investigations. This has no doubt been an extremely difficult time for them, and I know the impact of these heinous crimes has been grave.
“The victims told the court of the fear Evans made them feel and the horror when they discovered Evans had filmed such horrific events for his own gratification. They spoke how Evans affected every area of their lives and his controlling, manipulative and evil ways made them so scared to leave.
“Evans knowingly spiked his victims with what he called ‘magic’ and preyed upon their vulnerabilities when spiked. He injured them and left them with damage to their bodies in horrific ways. His lack of remorse for the victims and their welfare is despicable.
“From the initial report, the investigation team worked around the clock, to gather insurmountable evidence against him. Securing Evans conviction was a top priority for our team, to protect our communities and bring some form of justice to all Evans’ victims.
“Evans is a dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him. I truly hope this sentence brings all four victims some form of closure and can rebuild their lives in the knowledge he has been removed from Greater Manchester’s streets.
“I hope this case demonstrates the seriousness with which Greater Manchester Police deal with reports of rape, sexual assault, and spiking. We will believe you; we will support you and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”
