Manchester attacks: 14-year-old boy admits sexually assaulting five women

A 14-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has admitted that he sexually assaulted five women near Manchester University.

By Dave Lancaster |

12:00 22 October 2013

A boy aged 14 has entered a guilty plea at a youth court in Manchester magistrates court after admitting that he sexually assaulted five different women over a two-week period in Manchester.

The attacks - all against women over the age of 16 - took place nearby the city's university campus between September 21 and October 5.

He is currently on bail and will be sentenced later.

Police also arrested an 18-year-old on suspicion of sexual assault. He is also on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin was quoted by The Daily Mirror: "These crimes shocked everybody, not least the five women who were traumatised as a result of being sexually assaulted by this young boy.

"For such a young boy to have committed such appalling attacks is both disturbing and unusual.

"However, this young boy has not yet been sentenced before a court so at this stage, I do not want to speculate on his motive or my own private thoughts on the offender.

"What is important is that we thank all those members of the public who came forward this weekend after we released an appeal for information.

"As a direct result, other women who were assaulted by this boy came forward and we were able to present such overwhelming evidence to the courts that the young boy had no choice but to admit his guilt.

"More than anything, I am pleased for the women whom this boy sexually assaulted that they have been able to see justice carried out so quickly, and again I would thank members of the public for their support.

"It is important we now allow the legal process which will see this young boy sentenced next month to be carried out without prejudice, and once he has been sentenced by a court we will be in a position to comment further."

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 2.