News

Man charged after elderly woman is sexually assaulted by intruder at Oldham care home

The incident happened in the early hours of the morning on New Year's Day.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 3rd January 2023

A man has been charged after a care home resident in Oldham was sexually assaulted in the early hours of the morning on New Year’s Day.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that 21-year-old Jake Astley, of no fixed address, has been charged with one count of knowingly trespassing on a premises with intent to commit a sexual offence, one count of committing an offence with the intention of committing a sexual offence, one count of affray, and one count of assault.

It comes after police were called to a report of a serious sexual assault of a resident at a care home in Oldham at 2:40am on New Year’s Day (Sunday 1 January 2023).

Astley was arrested at the scene, and has been remanded in custody.

“This incident will have understandably caused distress to the care home residents and their families, staff and wider community,” Superintendent Philip Hutchinson, of GMP’s Oldham District, said.

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“Our thoughts are very much with the victim and her family, who are being supported by specialist officers.

“I would like to reassure the community that this type of incident is very rare and we have been working closely with our partner agencies, including Oldham Council, to ensure the safety and security of the residents and we are working around the clock to make sure the offender faces justice”.

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The 21-year-old will next appear at Tameside Magistrates Court today.

GMP is also appealing for information, and is urging anyone who may know anything about this incident to contact police on 101, or report via the GMP website’s reporting tool – www.gmp.police.uk – quoting log number 661 of 01/01/2023.

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Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP