A man has been jailed after being convicted of raping and sexually assaulting two women while they were sleeping.
Alan Pickering, 40, from Wirral, has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars as well as four years on an extended license.
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, the court heard that his victims had woken up to find that Pickering was raping them, with neither giving their consent.
Both victims then repeatedly asked him to stop, but he continued to assault them.
His crimes took place between January 2004 and July 2020 on ‘multiple occasions’ in the Chester and Wirral areas.
Pickering, of Procter Road in Rock Ferry, had previously been found guilty of five counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault by penetration following an earlier trial.
The latest allegations against the man came to light in 2020 after a report was made to social services at Cheshire West and Chester, which was passed on to Cheshire Police.
In addition to his prison sentence, Pickering has also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, and handed indefinite restraining orders against the victims.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Peel, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly I would like to commend the victims for the courage and bravery that they have shown throughout this case.
“I know that Pickering’s offending has had a hugely traumatic impact on the victims and having to give evidence during the trial was not easy for them.
“But thanks to the statements they gave, and the evidence we gathered, the jury we’re able to see through his lies and he is now finally being held accountable for his actions.”
Detective Constable Peel added: “Nobody should have to experience what these women have been though and if anything can be achieved from this case, I hope that it encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.
“We treat all reports extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.
“Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity.”
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Manchester United’s Stadium Sleep Out returns for 2025
Danny Jones
Man United have announced the return of the annual Stadium Sleep Out for 2025, with a bigger fundraising target than ever.
Following a hugely successful inaugural edition back in 2022, the now annual Stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford is back for another year, with more eyes on the crucial charity event than ever.
Confirming the date for the first stadium sleepover as the colder months approach, people from all over Greater Manchester are being invited to come and help generate money for the local homeless community.
For anyone unfamiliar with the fundraiser, United supporters, general football fans and all manner of Mancs are encouraged to come and take part in the Sleep Out that is held under the lights of the famous football ground.
Raising funds in support of relevant local charities that not only help homeless people throughout the North West and beyond, but have a special focus on vulnerable young adults, to amounts generated go towards helping rough sleepers around the region.
A cause we’re sure you’ll agree we can all get behind.
Make that more like £40,000 raised with Centrpoint last year.
Speaking on the most recent iteration of the Stadium Sleep Out, former academy graduate and now retired pro Danny Simpson told The Manc: “I’m a local boy, so it means something to me to try and help my community in any way I can.
“I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the Foundation has, and it’s been great to hear about the work they’re doing – it’s been a really positive night.”
Not only is it a touching way to try and raise money for a national crisis, but it’s a window into the prevailing hardships of homelessness.
All participants must be 18 years of age or older, but if you’re interested in swapping your bed for a sleeping bag on 7 November, you can find out more HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
28th November 2023 
